Dual-Processor Low Power Network Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices that rely on internal power sources face significant challenges in reducing power consumption, leading to limited operational lifetimes, especially when transitioning between high and low power modes, resulting in substantial energy depletion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-processor system where a first processor manages communications and configures a second processor to operate in wake and sleep modes, minimizing active time and overall power consumption, allowing the device to operate for extended periods on limited internal power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single processor is used to manage both communications and sensor data processing, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases due to the processor needing to remain continuously active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing functions into two separate processors: a first processor dedicated to communication tasks and a second processor dedicated to sensor data processing. This segmentation allows each processor to be optimized for its specific function and enables the second processor to enter low-power sleep modes when not actively processing sensor data, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining functional capability.
2Speed
If the processor operates continuously in high power mode to maintain responsiveness, then response time to sensor data changes is improved, but energy depletion occurs rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The second processor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active wake modes where it processes sensor data and low-power sleep modes where it conserves energy. The processor wakes periodically to check for sensor data changes, processes any updates, and then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains system responsiveness while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor dynamically transitions between different power states (wake modes and sleep modes) based on system needs. When sensor data changes or communication is required, the processor activates to high performance; when idle, it transitions to low-power states. This dynamic state management allows the system to maintain responsiveness capability while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the processor transitions frequently between wake and sleep modes to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system responsiveness may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
By separating communication functions (first processor) from sensor data processing (second processor), the patent ensures that the second processor can sleep without impacting network communication responsiveness. The first processor remains active to handle communications, while the second processor sleeps and wakes only when sensor data needs processing, maintaining overall system responsiveness without compromising energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus powered by batteries may include a first processor and a second processor. The first processor may consume more electrical power than the second processor. The second processor acquires data from one or more sensors. At a predetermined time or other trigger, the second processor activates the first processor that is then used to send the acquired data to an external device. For example, items are stowed on the apparatus that includes weight sensors. The second processor awakens hourly, acquires weight data indicative of the weight of items stowed on the apparatus, and returns to a sleep mode. After 24 hours of acquiring weight data, the second processor activates the first processor to send the accumulated weight data to an external device, such as a server, using a network interface. Power consumption is substantially reduced, allowing the apparatus to operate without external power for extended periods of times.