Segmented Sensor Array Activation for Low-Power Input Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing apparatus, such as capacitive sensors, require large amounts of power, leading to inefficient energy usage in electronic devices and a need for a more compact and simpler solution.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array comprising a plurality of first sensors and at least one second sensor, where the second sensor enables only specific portions of the array to be powered on in response to a trigger input, reducing overall power consumption by using low-power second sensors, such as infra-red sensors, to detect user inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full sensor array is powered on to detect user inputs, then detection coverage and precision are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple independently controllable portions or regions. Instead of powering on the entire array, only the specific portion containing the trigger input is activated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain detection precision where needed while keeping other portions powered off, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor continuously monitors for trigger inputs at low power consumption. Upon detecting a trigger input, it preemptively activates only the necessary portion of the first sensor array. This preliminary detection action prevents the need to keep the entire high-power sensor array continuously active, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining detection precision when needed.
2Measurement precision
If more sensors are used to improve detection capability, then sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple portions that can be independently controlled. This segmentation reduces device complexity by allowing the system to activate only the necessary portions rather than managing a single large complex array. Each portion can be simpler in design while collectively providing comprehensive coverage when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor acts as an intermediary that triggers the activation of specific portions of the first sensor array. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by using a low-power trigger sensor to manage the activation of higher-power detection sensors, reducing the complexity of continuous high-power operation while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed to ensure reliable detection, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring of the entire sensor array, the system uses periodic or event-driven monitoring where the second sensor continuously detects at low power and triggers periodic activation of the first sensor array portions only when needed. This periodic action maintains detection reliability by ensuring sensors are active when inputs occur while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous full-array operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor performs preliminary continuous monitoring at low power consumption to detect trigger inputs. This preliminary action ensures reliability by maintaining constant surveillance for inputs, while the actual high-power detection sensors are activated only when triggered, thus maintaining reliable detection capability without the power consumption of continuous full-array operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the power requirements of the sensor array by only powering necessary portions, enhancing efficiency and enabling more compact designs for devices like touch screens.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one second sensor may comprise infra red sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising: a sensor array (3) comprising a plurality of first sensors (5) configured to detect a first attribute; at least one second sensor (7) configured to detect a second attribute; wherein the at least one second sensor is configured such that, in response to detecting a trigger input comprising the second attribute the second sensor enables a first portion of the sensor array to be powered on while a second portion of the sensor array remains powered off.