Reconfigurable Sensor Unit for Context-Aware Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable electronic devices rely on accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine orientation and environmental conditions, but there is a need for more advanced features and power efficiency in sensor configurations.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable sensor system comprising a sensor chip and a system on chip (SoC) with a control circuit that receives configuration data to acquire and process data from various sensors, allowing for adjustable sense channel, clock, feature, and classification configurations to determine the context of the device relative to its surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional accelerometers and gyroscopes are used to determine device orientation and environmental conditions, then basic sensor functionality is achieved, but power efficiency and advanced features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable sensor system where the sensor chip can dynamically change its operational configuration through configuration data received from the SoC. This allows the sensor to adapt its sensing channels, sampling rates, and processing parameters in real-time based on device context, enabling flexible functionality while optimizing power consumption by activating only necessary sensing capabilities at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor chip accepts configuration data that modifies operational parameters including sense channel selection, clock frequency, feature computation types, and classification thresholds. By changing these parameters dynamically rather than using fixed sensor configurations, the system achieves both power efficiency (by adjusting parameters to match actual needs) and advanced functionality (by adapting to different operational contexts)
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed firmware is used in traditional sensors, then manufacturing is simplified, but functionality updates and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sensor functionality into distinct modular components: the sensor chip handles data acquisition and basic processing, while the SoC performs higher-level feature computation and classification. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module and enables flexible configuration through data exchange between components, achieving customization without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor chip is designed with universal configuration capabilities that allow it to perform multiple sensing functions and support various feature computations through programmable configuration data. This multi-functionality is achieved through a standardized interface and reconfigurable architecture that can adapt to different sensing requirements without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function
3Productivity
If basic sensor processing is performed, then power consumption is low, but advanced context awareness and activity tracking features are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable sensor system implements partial processing by performing only the necessary level of data analysis required for current operational needs. The sensor chip can operate in different modes: basic sensing for low-power operations, or enhanced sensing with feature computation and classification for advanced context awareness. This partial action approach allows the system to scale processing capability and power consumption according to actual productivity requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a sensor chip including at least one sensing device and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive configuration data as input, and acquire data from the at least one sensing device in accordance with the configuration data. The control circuit classifies a context of the at least one sensing device relative to its surroundings based on analysis of the acquired data in accordance with the configuration data.