Sensor device and electronic device for acquiring information from sensor device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices embedded within electronic devices are limited in their ability to accurately detect sensing values from distant locations, leading to discrepancies between detected values and actual requirements.
Innovation Solution
A standalone sensor device equipped with an energy harvester, energy storage circuit, monitoring circuit, sensor, and communication circuit, which operates in different modes based on energy storage voltage levels to efficiently transmit sensing values to another electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor device is embedded within the electronic device, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the sensor cannot obtain accurate sensing values from distant locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a sensor device that can be positioned anywhere near the target object, and a separate electronic device that processes the sensed data. This segmentation allows the sensor to be optimally positioned for measurement accuracy without being constrained by the electronic device's structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication link acts as an intermediary between the sensor device and the electronic device, transmitting sensing data without requiring physical embedding. This mediator enables data transfer while maintaining spatial independence between the components.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor device operates continuously with high power consumption, then sensing and communication accuracy is improved, but energy depletes quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device dynamically adjusts its operating parameters including sampling frequency, transmission power, and communication interval based on energy availability and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain adequate sensing accuracy while optimizing energy consumption patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as sensing interval and transmission power level according to energy storage status. When energy is abundant, higher precision modes are activated; when energy is limited, the system switches to lower power consumption modes while maintaining essential functionality.
3Loss of information
If the sensor device transmits data frequently with high communication intensity, then data accuracy and responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device transmits data periodically rather than continuously, with transmission intervals adjusted based on data change rate and energy availability. This periodic transmission reduces communication power consumption while ensuring that important changes are captured and transmitted promptly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the receiver acknowledges data reception and requests retransmission only when necessary. This feedback-driven approach minimizes unnecessary transmissions, reducing communication energy consumption while maintaining data integrity and accuracy.
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
The sensor device effectively obtains and transmits accurate sensing values to electronic devices, enhancing operational control and accuracy by adapting power consumption and communication intensity based on energy availability.
Implementation Method 1
an energy harvester configured to produce electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a sensor device may comprise: an energy harvester configured to generate electrical energy; an energy storage circuit configured to store the generated electrical energy; a monitoring circuit; a sensor; a communication circuit; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to identify a voltage of the energy storage circuit through the monitoring circuit, operate in a first mode in response to identification that the voltage is equal to or lower than a threshold value, operate in a second mode which consumes more power than the first mode, in response to identification that the voltage exceeds the threshold value, acquire a sensing value through the sensor according to a sensing scheme corresponding to one of the first mode and the second mode, and control the communication circuit to transmit the voltage and the sensing value to another electronic device according to the communication scheme corresponding to one of the first mode and the second mode. Various other embodiments are possible.