Sensor Module Mode Switching for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules face high power consumption due to continuous operation of components like sensors, analog front ends, and AD converters, even when not all sensors are needed, leading to increased costs and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device with a control unit that switches between overall and partial operation modes based on the output from a motion sensor, allowing only necessary sensors to operate, thereby reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for redundant sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all sensors operate continuously to ensure complete functionality, then measurement precision and reliability are maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module dynamically switches between overall operation mode (all sensors operating) and partial operation mode (only motion sensor operating) based on actual motion detection needs, allowing the system to adapt its resource usage to current operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically evaluates motion sensor output against thresholds to determine whether to activate all sensors or only the motion sensor, creating a rhythmic switching pattern that reduces average power consumption while maintaining functionality when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motion sensors with different measurement ranges are prepared to handle various situations, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single motion sensor serves multiple functions by operating in different modes (overall operation and partial operation) based on detected motion levels, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining the ability to handle various motion scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which sensors are active) based on the motion sensor output signal level, switching between different sensor subsets to match the current measurement requirements without adding hardware complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device includes: a sensor module that includes a group of sensors, at least one of which is set as a motion sensor, and can switch an operation mode to an overall operation mode in which all of the group of sensors operate and a partial operation mode in which a part of the sensors including the at least one sensor set as the motion sensor operate; and a control unit that controls the switching of the operation mode of the sensor module on the basis of an output from the motion sensor.