Energy Harvesting Motion Sensor Command Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices with energy harvesting capabilities face challenges in intuitively selecting and sending radio signals for both daily and specific operations without consuming excessive energy, often requiring complex gesture recognition and multiple button presses, which introduces latency and complexity for users.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with an energy harvester, sensors, and digital circuitry that harvests energy from user actions to activate sensors and select data frames based on position, attitude, or motion, allowing for intuitive selection and transmission of signals without the need for additional button presses or battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex gesture recognition is used to select commands, then command selection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The command selection process is segmented into two stages: first, simple motion detection triggers a basic command; second, if additional motion is detected, the command is updated. This segmentation allows the system to use simpler, lower-energy detection methods most of the time, while reserving complex gesture recognition for specific cases, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial gesture recognition by detecting only the essential motion components needed to distinguish between different command types. Rather than performing complete and complex gesture analysis for every interaction, the system detects sufficient motion patterns to make command selection, reducing computational energy expenditure while maintaining adequate command selection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple button presses are required for operation, then functional control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing interface with a motion-based gesture interface. The motion sensor detects gestures in three-dimensional space, allowing users to control the device through natural hand movements rather than pressing multiple buttons. This substitution maintains functional control capability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor serves multiple functions: it detects gestures for command selection, determines device orientation, and triggers operational modes. By making the motion sensing capability universal and multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate buttons and controls, simplifying user interaction while maintaining comprehensive functional control.
3Measurement precision
If motion sensors are activated continuously for gesture recognition, then gesture detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor is activated periodically rather than continuously. The system triggers the motion sensor only when specific conditions are met, such as when the device is picked up or when a button is pressed. This periodic activation maintains gesture detection accuracy for critical moments while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection using low-power sensors or simple motion triggers before activating the full motion sensor array for detailed gesture recognition. This preliminary action allows the system to filter out unnecessary full-sensor activations, maintaining high gesture detection accuracy when needed while reducing energy consumption through selective sensor activation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and intuitive selection and transmission of data frames using energy harvested from user actions, reducing energy consumption and latency, and simplifying user interactions by eliminating the need for complex gesture recognition and multiple button presses.
Implementation Method 1
Energy harvesting technologies, such as piezoelectric material, have supplied new generations of products with a small amount of energy that recharges automatically during the life and use of the product
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device that comprises an energy harvester to harvest a small amount of energy upon an action of a user. The device is configured to use this energy to activate one or more sensors and, based on the position, attitude or motion signals, select a data frame to be sent and send the selected data frame using a communication capability.