Sensor Parameter Scaling for Power Dissipation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors in environment monitoring, wearable, and health tracking systems dissipate most of their energy in accessing sensor integrated circuits, leading to significant power consumption issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that scale sensor parameters based on a tolerance profile specified by the sensor data consumer, reducing power dissipation by allowing some deviation in sensor data, which is achieved through a combination of software and hardware support without altering the sensor or sensor integrated circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor parameters are operated at full precision and range, then measurement precision is improved, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting sensor operating parameters (such as resolution, sampling rate, or measurement range) based on the actual requirements of the application. The system scales sensor parameters to match the tolerable deviation threshold, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining acceptable measurement precision. This is achieved through software-controlled parameter adjustment without hardware modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying scaling factors to sensor parameters only to the extent necessary to meet the minimum acceptable accuracy requirements. Instead of operating at full precision continuously, the system applies just enough scaling to achieve the required measurement quality, reducing unnecessary power consumption. The scaling factor is determined based on the deviation tolerance profile of the sensor data consumer.
2Use of energy by moving object
If sensor parameters are scaled down to reduce power, then power dissipation is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the deviation between scaled and unscaled sensor data against the tolerance profile. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the scaling factor to maintain measurement precision within acceptable bounds while optimizing power consumption. The feedback loop ensures that precision deterioration is corrected by adjusting parameters in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making sensor parameter scaling adjustable and adaptive rather than static. The scaling factor changes dynamically based on operational conditions, data consumer requirements, and observed performance. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the trade-off between power consumption and measurement precision in real-time, preventing permanent precision deterioration.
3Reliability
If sensor access frequency is increased, then data reliability is improved, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by adjusting the sensor access frequency based on the actual need for updated data. Instead of continuous high-frequency access, the system uses periodic sampling at optimized intervals that maintain data reliability while reducing power consumption. The access frequency is scaled according to the application's tolerance for data staleness and the criticality of real-time monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor produces the sensor data for a sensor data consumer. A device receives a sensor profile of the sensor indicating a relationship between a sensor parameter operating range and a deviation of the sensor data as a result of scaling one or more sensor parameters. The device receives a tolerance profile of the sensor data consumer indicating a tolerable degree of deviation of the sensor data and scales a parameter of the sensor according to the tolerance profile. The scaling reduces a power dissipation level of the sensor.