Sensor State Notification via Probability-Based Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor systems fail to correctly determine combined states detected by passive and active sensors, leading to incorrect condition assessments when one sensor is not operating, resulting in power inefficiencies and delayed or missed monitoring notifications.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a first sensor device, a second sensor device, and a processor that calculates the probability of a state based on measurements from the first sensor, initiates the second sensor's operation when the probability exceeds a certain value, and outputs notifications based on combined detection results from both sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If one sensor is stopped to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but determination of combined states becomes incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddetermination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination using the first sensor before activating the second sensor. When the first sensor's determination meets a predetermined condition, the system activates the second sensor in advance to ensure both sensors are operational before combined state determination is needed, preventing incorrect assessments due to sensor inactivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts sensor operation states based on determination results. The processor selectively activates or deactivates sensors depending on whether combined state determination is required, optimizing power consumption while ensuring reliability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If one sensor is stopped to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but monitoring notifications are delayed or missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnotification timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates the second sensor in advance when the first sensor's determination meets a predetermined condition, ensuring both sensors are operational before combined state determination is needed, preventing delayed or missed notifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the first sensor's determination results to control the operation of the second sensor. When the first sensor detects conditions requiring combined state assessment, it triggers activation of the second sensor, ensuring timely monitoring notifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10506378B2Apparatus and method for notifying the apparatus in both first state and second state based on detecting conditions

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 FUJITSU LTD

AI summary

An apparatus includes a first sensor device, a second sensor device and a first processor coupled to the first sensor device and the second sensor device and configured to calculate a probability that the apparatus is in a first state, based on a measurement of the first sensor device, initiate an operation of the second sensor device when the probability exceeds a first value, execute, based on a measurement of the second sensor device, a first detection that detects the apparatus is in a second state, execute, based on the measurement of the first sensor, a second detection that detects the probability exceeds a second value greater than the first value and that the apparatus is in the first state, and based on the first detection and the second detection, output a notification that indicates the apparatus is in both the first state and the second state.