Master Device Sensor Coordination Reducing Power Waste

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sensor redundancy in devices leads to inefficient power usage and underperformance, as multiple devices often have redundant sensors that are not optimized to work harmoniously together.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus where a master device identifies and configures other devices within a vicinity to balance sensor quality of service by determining device and application statuses, switching sensor power states, and synchronizing data, thereby reducing redundant sensor usage and optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If multiple devices with redundant sensors operate independently, then each device can function autonomously, but power consumption increases and system performance deteriorates due to redundant sensor operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidquality of service
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges sensor operations across multiple devices by establishing a master-device architecture where one device coordinates sensor usage. The master device queries other devices about their sensor configurations and determines an optimized configuration that balances quality of service across devices, reducing redundant sensor operation and power consumption while maintaining reliable service delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If all sensors in multiple devices operate at full capacity, then measurement quality is maintained, but power consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of serviceVSAvoidsensor configuration management
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master device implements a feedback mechanism by querying other devices about their sensor configurations and operational status. Based on this feedback information, the master device determines an optimized sensor configuration that maintains measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity through coordinated sensor management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If redundant sensors are eliminated through coordination, then power consumption decreases, but device autonomy and operational independence are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower wasteVSAvoiddevice autonomy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sensor configuration where devices can switch between autonomous operation and coordinated operation based on contextual needs. The master device determines configuration dynamically by querying device status and application status, allowing devices to maintain autonomy when needed while enabling coordinated power-saving operation when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3183627B1Multi-device sensor subsystem joint optimization
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3183627B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3183627B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3183627B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system and method for reducing sensor redundancy in sensor-equipped devices includes identifying, via a master device, at least one device within an area. The at least one device is queried to determine at least one of a device status or application status for the at least one device. A configuration of one or more sensors within the at least one device based at least in part on the querying is determined. The one or more sensors within the at least one device is configured to balance quality of service across the master device and the at least one device, based at least in part on the determining.