Sensor Hub Signal Pattern Generation for External Module Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face challenges in providing flexible, hot-pluggable, and replaceable connections for external sensor modules, especially in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT), where sensors need to operate independently and seamlessly integrate with computing devices without requiring a processing unit on the same printed circuit board.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a processor, a sensor hub, and signal pattern generation circuitry to facilitate connections with external sensor modules via an audio interface or bus, allowing for detection of insert or remove events and enabling seamless data collection and processing, even when the processor is in a different power state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are attached to the same PCB as the processor and connected through low-speed interfaces, then manufacturing is simple and reliable, but connection flexibility and hot-plug capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal audio interfaces (microphone and speaker connections) that can serve both traditional audio functions and sensor data transmission. The sensor hub can receive data from external sensors connected through these standard audio jacks, eliminating the need for specialized sensor connection interfaces while maintaining connection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor hub acts as an intermediary component between the processor and external sensors. It handles the complexity of sensor communication protocols and data processing, allowing sensors to be connected through simple audio interfaces while maintaining reliable and flexible connections. The sensor hub mediates the interaction between the processor and diverse sensor types.
2Ease of operation
If sensors are integrated on the same PCB, then connection reliability is high, but hot-plug capability and replaceability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor hub autonomously detects sensor insertion and removal events through the audio interface and automatically manages sensor driver loading and data stream configuration. This self-service capability enables hot-plug operation without requiring processor intervention or manual configuration, maintaining connection reliability through automated protocol handling and error management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple sensor drivers and data processing pipelines in advance, allowing sensors to be quickly activated or deactivated when connected or disconnected. The sensor hub maintains ready-state configurations that can be rapidly switched, enabling seamless hot-plug operation while maintaining connection reliability through pre-established communication protocols.
3Productivity
If high-speed interfaces are used for sensor connections, then data processing capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the data processing pipeline based on sensor activity and data rates. The sensor hub can operate in low-power modes when sensors are inactive or generating minimal data, and scale up processing capability when needed. This dynamic operation allows high data processing capability when required while minimizing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor hub employs periodic polling and event-driven architectures to manage sensor data streams efficiently. Instead of continuous high-speed data transmission, the system uses periodic sampling and event-triggered data transfer, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate data processing capability for sensor applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an apparatus for facilitating a connection with an external sensor module, in accordance with some embodiments. In one instance, the apparatus may include a processor and a sensor hub coupled with the processor, wherein the sensor hub may include a bus to provide a connection between the apparatus and the external sensor module. The apparatus may further include signal pattern generation circuitry coupled with the sensor hub to generate a signal pattern in response to a connection of the external sensor module to the apparatus via the bus or disconnect of the external sensor module from the bus, to indicate an insert or remove event to the apparatus, and facilitate the connection of the apparatus with the external sensor module. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.