MCU Buffer for Mobile Sensor Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices equipped with sensors continuously generate samples, causing the CPU to remain in full operation mode and consume excessive power, leading to shortened battery life.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller unit (MCU) with a buffer is introduced to collect and perform initial processing on sensor samples, reducing the burden on the CPU by storing samples and results, allowing the CPU to sleep more often and conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the CPU continuously collects and processes sensor samples, then the processing capability is sufficient, but the power consumption increases and battery life shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing system into two segments: the MCU handles continuous sensor sample collection and initial processing, while the CPU performs higher-level processing only when needed. This segmentation allows the power-consuming CPU to enter sleep mode frequently, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate processing capability through the always-on MCU.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an MCU as an intermediary component between the sensors and the CPU. The MCU acts as a mediator that continuously monitors sensor data, performs preliminary processing, and only wakes the CPU when significant events occur or data needs higher-level processing. This intermediary approach reduces CPU wake frequency and power consumption.
2Reliability
If the CPU remains in full operation mode to handle continuous sensor data, then no data is lost, but battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the MCU continuously collect and pre-process sensor data in the background while the CPU sleeps. The MCU prepares data buffers and detects significant events beforehand, so when the CPU wakes, it receives ready-to-process information. This ensures no data is lost while allowing the CPU to conserve power through sleep modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to serve itself by having the MCU autonomously handle continuous sensor monitoring and initial processing without requiring constant CPU intervention. The MCU can independently manage data collection, buffering, and basic processing tasks, freeing the CPU to enter low-power states while maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller unit (MCU) characterized by including a buffer is provided. The MCU is a part of a mobile device. The MCU fetches a plurality of samples from a sensor of the mobile device, performs a preset processing according to the samples, stores the samples and/or a result of the preset processing in the buffer, and provides the result or a signal based on the result to the central processing unit (CPU) of the mobile device or an electronic device.