Sensor Axis Control for Power Management in Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multiple sensors face challenges in efficiently managing sensor usage to conserve power while maintaining accurate orientation calculations, as current methods do not effectively disable unused sensor axes for extended periods, leading to unnecessary power consumption and potential errors from sensor interference.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting sensor readings, calculating the orientation of the electronic device, and disabling the detection of identified sensor axes for a predetermined or adaptive amount of time if they are not used in orientation calculations, thereby reducing power consumption and minimizing interference from other sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If all sensor axes continue to operate continuously, then complete orientation data is available, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensor axis disabling by monitoring whether sensor readings are actually used in orientation calculations over a predetermined time period. When a sensor axis is determined to be unnecessary for the current orientation calculation, the system disables that specific axis to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power usage based on real-time operational needs while maintaining orientation accuracy when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If sensor axes are disabled to save power, then power consumption decreases, but orientation accuracy may deteriorate if needed data is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring orientation calculation requirements and sensor usage patterns. The processor determines whether each sensor axis is being used in orientation calculations and adjusts the operational state of sensor axes accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that sensor axes are disabled only when their data is not needed, and re-enabled when required, thereby maintaining measurement precision while optimizing power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all sensors operate at full capacity, then comprehensive motion detection is achieved, but device complexity and power management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensor system into independently controllable axes. Instead of managing all sensor axes as a single unit, the system can selectively enable or disable individual axes based on their specific usage in orientation calculations. This segmentation simplifies power management by allowing granular control over sensor operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive motion detection capabilities when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described are a method and its corresponding device for controlling sensor use on an electronic device, the electronic device having a first sensor defining at least one first sensor axis, the method comprising: detecting a first sensor reading; determining an orientation of the electronic device; and, disabling the detection of the first sensor reading in respect an identified first sensor axis when the first sensor reading in respect of the identified first sensor axis is substantially not expected to change for at least a predetermined amount of time.