Sensor Grid Configuration for Energy-Aware Task Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensor grid systems face challenges in energy efficiency during training and operation, particularly in smart factories and warehouses, where existing methods such as data compression and smaller machine learning models do not fully address the need for reduced energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that dynamically adjust sensor resolution and task model complexity based on accuracy thresholds, starting with low settings and incrementally increasing them to achieve desired task accuracy while minimizing energy usage, using tunable parameters like pixel resolution, sampling frequency, and neural network architectural changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor resolution and task model complexity are increased to improve task accuracy, then task accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor resolution and task model complexity adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically configures these parameters based on the specific task requirements, starting with low settings and incrementally increasing them only until the desired accuracy threshold is met. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its resource consumption to the actual needs of each task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters (sensor resolution, sampling frequency, task model complexity) to resolve the contradiction. By systematically varying these parameters and evaluating task accuracy at each step, the system identifies the minimum configuration needed to achieve acceptable performance, thereby minimizing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If sensor resolution and task model complexity are decreased to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but task accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtask accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using only the minimum sensor resolution and task model complexity necessary to achieve the required accuracy threshold. Rather than consistently using high-resolution sensors and complex models, the system uses just enough computational resources to meet the task requirements, avoiding excessive energy consumption while preventing accuracy deterioration through systematic evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, less energy-intensive sensor configurations and task models when sufficient for the task, rather than always using expensive high-performance components. The system selectively uses higher resolution and complexity only when necessary, effectively deploying the lowest-cost configuration that still achieves acceptable performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Use of energy by moving object

If data transmission from sensors is compressed to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but data quality and task accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddata quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring sensor resolution and data collection parameters before data transmission occurs. By determining the appropriate sensor settings in advance based on task requirements, the system avoids the need for post-processing compression that could degrade data quality, while still minimizing energy consumption from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240377812A1Sensor grid system management
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US20240377812A1 patent drawing
  • US20240377812A1 patent drawing
  • US20240377812A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for managing a sensor grid system including configuring and using sensor grids for various tasks. In one embodiment there is provided a method of configuring a sensor grid system having a plurality of sensors arranged to collect data from a working space. The method includes applying an output from the sensors to a task model for performing a task associated with the working space. A task accuracy parameter is corresponding to the accuracy with which the task model performs the task is determine. In response to the task accuracy parameter being below a task accuracy parameter threshold, the resolution of the output from the sensors is increased, and the complexity of the task model is increased.