Embedded Controller Accident Detection for Mobile IHS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile Information Handling Systems (IHSs) face increased risks of accidents, such as drops, which can result in hidden damage that is difficult to diagnose, leading to additional support burdens for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Innovation Solution
An Information Handling System (IHS) with an Embedded Controller (EC) that determines if an accident has occurred prior to reboot and transmits an indication of the accident to a remote service during reboot, including IHS identification data, sensor data, and accident classification data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile IHSs are used to increase mobility and convenience, then user convenience and versatility are improved, but the risk of accidents and hidden damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting accidents through sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and setting accident flags before the system fully shuts down or reboots. This ensures accident information is captured and preserved even when the main system becomes unresponsive, allowing subsequent analysis of what occurred during the accident event.
2Measurement precision
If accident detection is implemented to reduce support burdens, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments accident detection functionality into independent components: dedicated sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) for detection, an Embedded Controller for processing, and separate accident flag registers for data storage. This modular segmentation allows accurate accident detection while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The Embedded Controller serves as an intermediary between the sensors and the main system. It processes sensor data, sets accident flags, and manages data transmission without requiring the main system to be operational, thereby simplifying the overall architecture while enabling sophisticated accident detection capabilities.
3Speed
If the EC transmits accident data during reboot, then information transmission speed is improved, but the reliability of data transmission worsens due to potential power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by setting accident flags and preparing data for transmission before the reboot occurs. The EC identifies which data to transmit and stages it in advance, ensuring that when the reboot happens, the data is ready for immediate transmission without loss or corruption, even if power is interrupted during the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by creating redundant data storage paths. Accident data is stored in protected memory regions that can survive power loss, and the EC is configured to transmit this data through multiple potential channels (network, storage media) to ensure at least one successful transmission occurs despite potential failures during reboot.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor data is collected to improve accident classification, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively activating sensors based on the specific detection needs. Not all sensors operate at full capacity continuously; instead, the EC activates specific sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, temperature) based on the type of accident being detected, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for classification purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for accident detection and handling are described. In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include an Embedded Controller (EC), and a memory coupled to, or integrated into, the EC, where the memory comprises program instructions that, upon execution by the EC, cause the EC to, in response to a determination that the IHS suffered an accident prior to a reboot, transmit an indication of the accident to a remote service during the reboot.