Context-Based Sensor Selection for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices often face inefficiencies due to suboptimal sensor performance, where sensors provide either inaccurate or excessive data, leading to resource wastage and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with an input handler, context monitor, and sensor selector that dynamically selects the most suitable sensor based on current context and selection criteria to optimize sensor functionality and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is selected to provide sensor data, then the application can execute its function, but the sensor may provide suboptimal data leading to inaccurate results or excessive power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects sensors based on real-time context parameters (location, time, user preferences) rather than using fixed sensor assignments. The sensor selection changes adaptively as context changes, optimizing both accuracy and power consumption for each specific situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the selection criteria parameters based on context parameters. Different context parameters (accuracy requirements, power constraints, environmental conditions) modify the selection criteria to choose optimal sensors, transforming the static sensor selection into a parameter-driven dynamic process.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor provides detailed sensor data, then measurement precision is improved, but resource deployment and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selecting only the necessary sensor data needed for the application function rather than using all available sensors or all sensor data. The context-based selection ensures sufficient precision for the task while avoiding excessive resource consumption from unnecessary sensor activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensors are selected based on local context conditions. The system evaluates which sensors provide appropriate precision for the current situation (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor location) and activates only those sensors, optimizing the quality-resources trade-off for each specific operational context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are available for a single sensor function, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (sensor selection mechanism) that automatically manages the complexity of multiple sensors. This intermediary uses context parameters and selection criteria to simplify the decision-making process, presenting applications with a managed interface that handles sensor complexity behind the scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor selection system provides universal functionality by enabling a single interface to access multiple sensors dynamically. The context-based selection mechanism allows the same application interface to work with different sensors depending on context, eliminating the need for separate interfaces for each sensor type.
Data Source
AI summary
Pending execution of a sensor function for use in operation of an application executing on a computing device may be determined. At least a first sensor and a second sensor associated with the computing device may be identified, the first sensor and the second sensor both providing at least a portion of the sensor function. A current context associated with the pending execution of the sensor function may be determined, the current context being defined in terms of context parameters. Selection criteria defined in terms of the context parameters may be accessed, and the first sensor may be selected to execute the sensor function for the application, based on the selection criteria and the current context.