Multi-Sensor Processing Unit With Motion-Triggered Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple sensors in devices poses challenges related to size, cost, interfaces, connectivity, and power consumption, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor measurement processing unit (MSMPU) is developed to integrate and manage multiple sensors within a single device, incorporating power management systems to control sensor power stages, signal amplification, conditioning, and communication of data to external processors, allowing for efficient operation and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated in a single device, then measurement capabilities and functionality are improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometric pressure sensor) and their processing units into a single integrated measurement processing unit. This merging approach provides diverse measurement capabilities while reducing overall device size by eliminating separate housing and interconnections that would be required for individual sensor modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated measurement processing unit is designed to handle multiple sensor types and provide various navigation functions (positioning, orientation, altitude measurement) through a single multi-functional device. This universal design allows the same physical unit to perform diverse measurement tasks that would otherwise require separate specialized sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated in a single device, then measurement capabilities are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple sensors and processing units into a single device, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs through reduced assembly operations, fewer interconnections, and simplified supply chain management compared to producing and integrating separate sensor modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional measurement processing unit can be produced as a standardized component that serves multiple navigation purposes, allowing manufacturers to benefit from economies of scale. A single universal unit replaces multiple specialized sensors, reducing per-unit costs through standardized production processes and bulk manufacturing of integrated circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated in a single device, then measurement capabilities are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated measurement processing unit dynamically manages power consumption by selectively activating only the sensors and processing functions needed for current measurement tasks. The system can adjust operational modes based on requirements, powering down unused sensors and reducing processing intensity when full capabilities are not needed, thereby optimizing energy usage while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling and intermittent activation of sensors rather than continuous operation. By periodically updating measurements and putting sensors into low-power states between activations, the integrated unit maintains adequate measurement capabilities while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation of all sensors.
4Productivity
If multiple sensors are integrated in a single device, then data processing requirements are improved, but interface and connectivity complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor processing units and data processing functions within a single measurement processing unit, consolidating numerous interfaces into one unified device. This merging reduces interface complexity by eliminating the need for separate connections to individual sensors while maintaining comprehensive data processing capabilities for all sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated measurement processing unit provides a universal interface that handles data from multiple sensor types through standardized protocols. This multi-functional interface design simplifies connectivity by allowing the same interface to manage accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and barometric pressure sensor data without requiring separate specialized connections for each sensor type.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to the control and utilization of multiple sensors within a device. For an example, motion of a device may be detected in response to receipt of a signal from a first sensor disposed in the device, and a power state of a second sensor also disposed in the device may be changed in response to detected motion.