Sensor Data Buffering for Power and Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In devices with multiple sensors and applications, managing data efficiently and power consumption is challenging due to the lack of awareness of data types collected by other applications and sensors, leading to inefficient data management and power usage.

Innovation Solution

A data management apparatus that allocates buffers in memory for each application based on request information, stores and transfers sensor data accordingly, and generates virtual sensors to process and synchronize data, optimizing data flow and reducing power consumption by adjusting processor speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each application directly controls sensors and manages memory, then applications can independently access sensor data, but data management efficiency deteriorates and power consumption increases due to lack of coordination

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveApplication independence in accessing sensor dataVSAvoidData management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensor manager as an intermediary component that sits between applications and sensors. The sensor manager receives data requests from multiple applications, manages buffer allocations, coordinates data collection from sensors, and distributes data to requesting applications. This mediator approach maintains application independence while centralizing data management functions to improve overall system efficiency and reduce power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sensor data is buffered and copied for multiple clients, then data can be provided to multiple consumers, but memory usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to provide data to multiple consumersVSAvoidMemory usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments memory resources by allocating separate buffers to different applications based on their specific data requirements. Each application receives data in its dedicated buffer, eliminating the need to copy data between multiple buffers for the same application. The sensor manager intelligently determines which applications need which data types and allocates buffer space accordingly, reducing redundant memory usage while maintaining the ability to serve multiple consumers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If processor speed is increased to process sensor data faster, then data processing speed improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveData processing speedVSAvoidPower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic processor speed control where the processor operates at variable speeds based on real-time data processing requirements. The sensor manager monitors data accumulation rates in buffers and adjusts processor speed accordingly - increasing speed when data needs rapid processing and reducing speed when processing demand is low. This dynamic adjustment maintains high data processing speed when necessary while minimizing power consumption during lower-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3190523B1Data management method and appartus using buffering
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3190523B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3190523B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3190523B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A data management method includes allocating a buffer for an application based on request information associated with data requested by the application, storing sensor data corresponding to the request information in the buffer, and transferring the sensor data stored in the buffer to the application.