Low Power Beacon for Sensor Device Battery Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote sensor devices typically cease functioning entirely when they run out of power, making it difficult for users to determine whether the failure is due to low battery or other component issues, and they do not continue to communicate a low power condition to the primary device effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mode change in remote sensor devices to reduce power consumption when a low power condition is detected, allowing them to continue transmitting a low power signal to the primary device, and monitoring battery capacity to warn users of impending low power conditions, thereby extending functionality and maintaining communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the remote sensor device continues to operate all components (sensor, controller, transmitter) after battery enters low power condition, then the device can continue to perform its intended function, but the battery depletes completely and the device becomes incapable of communicating the reason for failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational modes into distinct phases: normal mode where sensor, controller, and transmitter operate fully, and low-power mode where only the transmitter operates to send periodic low-power condition signals. This segmentation allows the system to preserve critical communication functionality while minimizing power consumption during battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential communication function from the full operational capability. When low power condition is detected, the system removes the sensor and controller operations but retains the transmitter to send periodic signals indicating low-power status. This extraction ensures the device can still communicate its state even with minimal power remaining.
2Reliability
If the remote sensor device operates all components at full capacity, then data transmission functionality is maintained, but power consumption depletes the battery quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operational modes that adjust system behavior based on battery status. The controller monitors battery charge level and dynamically switches between normal operation mode (full sensor, controller, and transmitter functionality) and low-power mode (transmitter only with periodic signaling). This dynamic adaptation maintains reliability when needed while conserving energy when battery charge is low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters based on battery charge level. When the battery enters a low-power condition, the system alters the transmission parameter from continuous data transmission to periodic low-power condition signals. This parameter change significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to communicate device status to the primary device.
3Loss of energy
If the device shuts down completely when battery is low, then power consumption stops, but the user cannot determine whether failure is due to low battery or other component issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service diagnostic mechanism where the device automatically continues to communicate its low-power status through periodic transmitter signals even after entering low-power mode. This self-service communication eliminates the need for user intervention to diagnose battery issues, as the device itself continuously informs the primary device of its power status until complete depletion.
Data Source
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AI summary
One disclosed method involves providing a first device comprising a sensor configured to sense a stimulus experienced by the first device, a controller configured to process data received from the sensor and thereby obtain processed sensor data, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed data from the first device to a second device, and a battery configured to supply power to at least the controller and the transmitter. The first device is operated in a first operational mode in which the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter are used at least occasionally to obtain and transmit processed data to the second device. When it is determined that the battery is in a low power condition, the first device is operated in a second operational mode wherein the sensor, controller, and transmitter are not used to obtain and transmit processed sensor data to the second device, but wherein the first device at least occasionally transmits a signal to the second device that indicates a low power condition of the battery.