Sensor Controller Power Management via Contextual Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for devices lack efficient contextual data-driven operational state transitions, leading to inefficient power consumption and potential device damage from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor controller is configured to gather contextual data from various sensors and modify the operational states of a computing device based on predefined thresholds, using power management data to wake up the main processor or power down sensors as needed, thereby optimizing power usage and protecting device components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the main processor continuously monitors environmental data to manage device states, then the device can respond quickly to contextual changes, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing responsibilities by separating the main processor from the sensor controller. The sensor controller independently monitors contextual data and handles state transition decisions, while the main processor is awakened only when necessary. This segmentation allows continuous environmental monitoring without keeping the main processor active, thus resolving the contradiction between fast response and low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller acts as an intermediary between the sensors and the main processor. It gathers contextual data, evaluates whether state transitions are needed based on thresholds, and only communicates with the main processor when state changes are required. This intermediary role enables efficient power management while maintaining responsive device state transitions.
2Productivity
If the device remains in active state to process contextual data quickly, then operational responsiveness is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring contextual data and pre-evaluating whether state transitions are needed before involving the main processor. This preliminary processing ensures that when the main processor needs to be awakened, it is only for necessary state changes, maintaining operational responsiveness while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller provides self-service by independently managing the monitoring and evaluation of contextual data without requiring the main processor's continuous involvement. It autonomously determines when device state transitions are necessary, enabling the system to maintain productivity during active operation while reducing power consumption during low-activity periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If contextual data is not monitored continuously, then power consumption is reduced, but the device may be damaged by environmental stressors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the sensor controller continuously monitoring contextual data and comparing it against predefined thresholds. When environmental conditions exceed safe thresholds, the sensor controller triggers appropriate device state transitions to protect hardware components. This feedback mechanism ensures device protection while allowing the main processor to remain in low-power states during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller serves as an intermediary protection layer between environmental stressors and the main processor. It continuously monitors for harmful conditions and intervenes by triggering protective state transitions before environmental damage can occur, ensuring reliability without requiring the main processor to remain continuously active.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor controller operates independently to reduce main processor usage, then power consumption decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the system into distinct functional modules: the sensor controller for monitoring and evaluation, and the main processor for comprehensive device management. This segmentation, while adding a component, organizes functionality into manageable units with clear interfaces, making the increased complexity structured and maintainable rather than chaotic.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller as an intermediary provides a well-defined interface layer between sensors and the main processor, using standardized data structures and communication protocols. This intermediary approach, while adding architectural complexity, simplifies the overall system design by creating clear separation of concerns and reducing the complexity burden on the main processor.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing support for power-management of a device. The method may include gathering contextual data from a sensor communicatively coupled to a sensor controller. The method may also include receiving power-management data including an operational state of a main processor of the device. The method may also include modifying the operation of the device based on the contextual data and the power management data.