Dynamic Sensor Switching for Context Awareness Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face high power consumption when determining user context using multiple sensors, which affects battery life and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that dynamically activate and deactivate sensors based on confidence measures in context classification, using a flexible algorithmic framework to balance energy efficiency and accuracy by selectively switching on/off or changing power modes of sensors like accelerometers and barometers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are activated to determine device orientation and environmental conditions, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontext classification accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts sensor activation based on real-time confidence measures. The processor calculates confidence scores for context classifications and selectively activates additional sensors only when confidence falls below thresholds, creating a dynamic adaptation between accuracy and energy consumption rather than static full-sensor operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting sensor power states based on confidence measures. Sensors are switched between active and low-power modes depending on whether the current context classification meets accuracy requirements, effectively changing the system's energy consumption parameter in response to performance needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple sensors are continuously activated, then reliability of context determination is improved, but loss of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontext detection accuracyVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring confidence measures from context classifications and using this information to control sensor activation. The processor receives confidence feedback, compares it against thresholds, and adjusts sensor power states accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliability while minimizing energy loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by autonomously managing sensor power states based on its own performance metrics. The processor evaluates its own context classification confidence and independently decides when to activate or deactivate sensors without external intervention, enabling the device to self-regulate its energy consumption while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If sensors are selectively switched on and off based on confidence measures, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsensor control architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The confidence measure calculation and threshold comparison mechanism serves multiple functions: it evaluates context classification quality, determines sensor activation needs, and controls power state transitions. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a universal framework that manages sensor power states across different contexts without requiring separate control systems for each sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10748075B2Method and apparatus for energy efficient probabilistic context awareness of a mobile or wearable device user by switching between a single sensor and multiple sensors

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method of operating an electronic device. The method includes activating a first sensing device, and determining a first probabilistic context of the electronic device relative to its surroundings. The method includes outputting the first probabilistic context, and determining a confidence measure of the first probabilistic context. Where the confidence measure of the first probabilistic context is below a threshold, the method includes activating a second sensing device, determining a second probabilistic context of the electronic device relative to its surroundings. outputting the second probabilistic context, and determining a confidence measure of the second probabilistic context. Where the confidence measure of the second probabilistic context is above the threshold, the second sensing device is deactivated and the method returns to determining the first probabilistic context.