Sensor Interrupt Circuit for Time-Window Event Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices burden microprocessor circuits with continuous monitoring and processing of detection signals for user control actions and events, leading to performance degradation and delayed recognition of events, especially for complex or multiple events.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a dedicated integrated circuit that processes detection signals to recognize events based on their temporal evolution, generating interrupt signals for the microprocessor, thereby reducing the computational load and enabling faster and more reliable event detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microprocessor circuit continuously monitors and processes detection signals from sensor devices, then event recognition capability is maintained, but device performance degrades and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the event recognition function by introducing a dedicated integrated circuit that handles signal processing and event detection, separating this task from the main microprocessor circuit. This allows the microprocessor to focus on higher-level tasks while the dedicated circuit continuously monitors sensor signals, resolving the contradiction between maintaining event recognition capability and preserving overall device performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated integrated circuit acts as an intermediary between the sensor devices and the microprocessor circuit. It receives detection signals from sensors, processes them to identify events, and generates interrupt signals only when events occur. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for continuous microprocessor involvement in signal monitoring, thereby maintaining event recognition while improving device performance.
2Productivity
If a dedicated integrated circuit is added to the sensor device for event detection, then microprocessor burden is reduced, but device area and resource constraints are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dedicated integrated circuit with the sensor device into a single integrated unit. The circuit is designed to work closely with the sensor array, combining signal acquisition and event processing functions in one compact module. This integration minimizes the additional area required while achieving the goal of reducing microprocessor burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated integrated circuit is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple tasks including signal amplification, filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, and event pattern recognition. By consolidating these functions into a single circuit, the patent reduces the overall area requirement compared to having separate components for each function, thus addressing the area constraint while maintaining microprocessor efficiency.
3Speed
If simple processing operations are performed by the integrated circuit, then event detection speed improves, but complex multiple event recognition becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated integrated circuit performs preliminary processing of detection signals, including amplification, filtering, and initial feature extraction. This preliminary action prepares the signals for more complex analysis and enables the circuit to recognize basic events quickly. The processed signals are then used by the microprocessor for higher-level complex event recognition, achieving both fast detection and versatile capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the dedicated integrated circuit continuously monitors sensor signals and provides interrupt signals to the microprocessor when events are detected. The microprocessor can then respond by configuring the integrated circuit for specific complex event patterns or adjusting detection parameters. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to complex multiple event recognition requirements while maintaining fast detection speeds through the dedicated circuit's continuous monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for an electronic apparatus, including a sensing structure for generating a first detection signal, and a dedicated integrated circuit connected to the sensing structure for detecting a first event associated with the electronic apparatus and for generating a first interrupt signal upon detection of the first event. The dedicated integrated circuit detects the first event as a function of a temporal evolution of the first detection signal, and in particular as a function of values assumed by the first detection signal within one or more successive time windows, and of a relation between the values.