Dynamic Sensor Processing Partitioning for Power and Thermal Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microelectronic circuitry systems for sensor nodes and processing subsystems face sub-optimal performance due to varying energy management conditions such as power and thermal variations, which require dynamic optimization of functionality to maintain efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic functionality partitioning between sensor nodes and processing subsystems, where preprocessing tasks are dynamically allocated based on energy management conditions, allowing nodes to adjust power consumption and thermal generation by enabling or disabling preprocessors as needed, and offloading functionality between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If preprocessing tasks are performed at remote sensor nodes, then data processing efficiency is improved, but power consumption and thermal generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic functionality partitioning where the processing subsystem can dynamically allocate preprocessing tasks between remote sensor nodes and itself based on real-time energy management conditions. This allows the system to adapt the degree of parallel processing and task distribution according to available power and thermal conditions, rather than using a fixed static configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the partitioning of functionality based on energy management conditions. When energy conditions are favorable, more preprocessing is performed at remote nodes to improve efficiency. When energy conditions deteriorate, the system reduces preprocessing at remote nodes and increases processing at the central subsystem, thereby adapting to varying power and thermal constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If more preprocessing is performed at sensor nodes, then communication bandwidth requirements are reduced, but thermal generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication bandwidthVSAvoidthermal generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of preprocessing distribution based on thermal conditions. When thermal generation at sensor nodes becomes excessive, the system dynamically reduces the preprocessing workload at those nodes and increases processing at the central subsystem, thereby controlling thermal generation while adapting communication bandwidth usage to current thermal constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If functionality is statically optimized for original design conditions, then system performance is improved under those conditions, but performance degrades when environmental conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidperformance under varying conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic functionality partitioning system that continuously monitors energy management conditions and adjusts task distribution accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying environmental conditions including changes in power availability, thermal conditions, and communication bandwidth, rather than being constrained to static optimization for a single design scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing subsystem monitors energy management conditions at remote sensor nodes and uses this information to dynamically adjust functionality partitioning. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain optimal performance by reallocating preprocessing tasks based on real-time condition assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2909697B1Energy management by dynamic functionality partitioning
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2909697B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2909697B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2909697B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sensor and processing system dynamically partitions or allocates functionality between various remote sensor nodes and a processing subsystem based on energy management management considerations. Redundant functionality is located at the processing subsystem and each of the various remote sensor nodes, and each sensor node coordinates with the processing subsystem to determine the location (e.g., at the processing subsystem or at the sensor node) at which a particular functionality is executed.