Sensor Controller Interrupt Signal for USB Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of sensors in computing devices increases, the power consumption also rises, and existing systems lack an efficient method to manage USB device interrupt signals, leading to potential data loss due to powered-down USB ports.
Innovation Solution
A method where a sensor controller sends an interrupt signal to the operating system to request power for the USB port when data is detected, allowing the sensor controller to communicate with the OS, thereby preventing constant polling and saving power by only powering the USB port when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the USB port is kept powered on to enable data transmission from sensors, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller proactively sends an interrupt signal to the host controller before data transmission is needed, prompting the host to power on the USB port in advance. This preliminary action ensures the USB port is ready for data transmission without keeping it continuously powered, resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor controller monitors sensor data and actively signals the host controller when data is available for transmission. This feedback loop allows the USB port to be powered on only when necessary, rather than remaining continuously powered, thus balancing reliability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the USB port is powered down to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller sends an interrupt signal as a preliminary action before data transmission occurs. This ensures the host controller is notified in advance to power on the USB port, preventing data loss that would occur if the port remained powered down. The preliminary notification eliminates the need to keep the port continuously powered.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller autonomously monitors sensor data and independently determines when to send interrupt signals to the host controller. This self-service capability ensures data is transmitted promptly when available without requiring continuous host polling, preventing data loss while maintaining power savings.
3Speed
If constant polling is used to check for sensor data, then data transmission responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the host controller continuously polling the sensor controller for data (traditional approach), the invention inverts the communication direction: the sensor controller actively sends interrupt signals to the host controller when data is available. This inversion eliminates continuous polling and its associated power consumption while maintaining fast data transmission responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces continuous polling with periodic interrupt-based communication. The sensor controller periodically checks for sensor data and sends interrupt signals only when data is available, rather than the host continuously polling. This periodic action maintains data responsiveness while significantly reducing power consumption compared to constant polling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for sending an interrupt signal is described herein. The method may include detecting sensor data in a sensor controller and detecting a powered down port between the sensor controller and an operating system. The method may also include sending the interrupt signal from the sensor controller to the operating system. In addition, the method may include detecting the operating system has provided power to the powered down port. Furthermore, the method may include sending the sensor data from the sensor controller to the operating system.