Multi-Sensor Power Management for Motion-Triggered Sensing
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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 are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor measurement processing unit (MSMPU) is introduced, which integrates power management systems to selectively control the power states of sensors, allowing for efficient power consumption and flexible operation modes based on detected motion, enabling the combination of sensor data for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated in a device, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometric pressure sensor) into a single integrated device housing, sharing common processing electronics and power management circuits. This merging approach maintains multi-axes measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity compared to separate sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing electronics are designed to universally handle data from multiple sensor types, providing a common interface and processing pipeline that works with accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and pressure sensor data. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate processing circuits for each sensor type.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated in a device, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of individual sensors based on current application requirements and motion detection. When full multi-axes measurement is not needed, certain sensors can be placed in low-power or sleep modes, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing electronics can change operational parameters such as sampling rate, measurement range, and resolution dynamically based on detected motion and application needs. This allows the system to maintain high measurement precision when required while consuming less power during stationary or low-activity periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated in a device, then functionality is improved, but size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple sensor elements are positioned in a compact, space-efficient configuration within the device housing. Sensors are arranged to share common mounting structures and signal routing paths, allowing high functionality to be achieved in a reduced volume compared to distributed sensor placement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated in a device, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensors and their processing electronics onto a common substrate or circuit board, allowing simultaneous manufacturing of multiple sensor channels. This merged manufacturing approach reduces per-unit costs compared to assembling separate sensor modules, while maintaining full sensor functionality.
Data Source
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.