Sensor Data Buffer Frame Organization for Memory Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor data buffer systems in mobile computing devices are inefficient in terms of memory usage and synchronization, leading to unnecessary processor wake-ups and data integrity issues, especially when dealing with varying subsets of measured variables and non-deterministic changes.

Innovation Solution

A sensor data buffer organized in frames, with each frame containing a header that indicates the included measured variables, metadata such as timestamps and configuration data, and markers for synchronization, allowing for compact memory usage and efficient synchronization without deleting data during parameter changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If memory space is reserved for all possible measured variables (Type A buffer), then data integrity is maintained, but memory usage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidmemory usage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer is segmented into multiple independent data slots, each capable of storing different measured variables. The buffer manager dynamically assigns variables to slots based on current needs, allowing partial usage of buffer space while maintaining data integrity through structured organization and validation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor data buffer is deleted when sensor parameters are changed, then adaptability is improved, but data loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter change adaptabilityVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer structure is made dynamic through the buffer manager, which can reconfigure data slot assignments and variable mappings without deleting the buffer. This allows the system to adapt to changing sensor parameters while preserving existing data, enabling smooth transitions between different measurement configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the sensor data buffer is deleted and recreated for non-deterministic changes, then synchronization is simplified, but data integrity errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization complexityVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer manager implements feedback mechanisms through headers in each data slot that track the state and validity of stored data. This allows the system to detect and handle synchronization issues without deleting the buffer, maintaining data integrity while managing complexity through structured state tracking and validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If the application processor wakes up frequently to read sensor data, then data freshness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata freshnessVSAvoidprocessor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer pre-allocates and structures data slots in advance, organizing measurement data as it arrives. This preliminary organization allows the application processor to read data efficiently during wake-up cycles without requiring frequent wake-ups, as the buffer maintains ready-to-read structured data that can be consumed in batches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Quantity of substance

If memory space is optimized by storing only necessary data (Type B buffer), then memory usage efficiency is improved, but synchronization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory usage efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer manager acts as an intermediary layer between the physical buffer and the application processor. It maintains the optimized memory structure while handling synchronization complexity internally through header information and state tracking, presenting a simplified interface to the application processor and managing synchronization overhead without exposing it to higher layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10341746B2Sensor system with a sensor data buffer
Publication Date: 2019.07.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US10341746B2 patent drawing
  • US10341746B2 patent drawing
  • US10341746B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor system including a sensor data buffer, the sensor data buffer being configured in such a way that sensor data are organized in frames. The sensor data buffer is configured in such a way that a frame has a header and a sensor data area.