Wireless Control Sensor Activation for Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless control systems lack efficient power management and intelligent sensor activation mechanisms, leading to high power consumption and inefficient operation, especially when running on limited power sources like batteries.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control device with integrated sensors, switches, and a processor that employs time multiplexing, real-time clock-based sensing, and proximity-based activation to manage sensor activity, reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are continuously activated to monitor environmental conditions, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensor activation based on time-of-day patterns and occupancy detection. Sensors are activated during periods when occupancy is detected or during specific time windows, and deactivated during periods of confirmed absence, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement precision when actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses occupancy sensors to automatically detect presence and trigger sensor activation only when needed. The device self-manages its power consumption by activating sensors in response to detected occupancy rather than continuous operation, eliminating the need for external power management intervention.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are continuously operated to provide comprehensive environmental monitoring, then reliability and data completeness are improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensor activation based on time-of-day patterns and occupancy detection. Sensors are activated during periods when occupancy is detected or during specific time windows, and deactivated during periods of confirmed absence, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement precision when actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor activation patterns based on real-time occupancy detection and time-of-day conditions. The processor continuously evaluates sensor data and environmental conditions to determine optimal activation periods, creating a dynamic power management strategy that extends battery life while maintaining monitoring reliability.
3Ease of operation
If all sensors remain active to respond to user actions immediately, then responsiveness and ease of operation are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses occupancy sensors to automatically detect presence and trigger sensor activation only when needed. The device self-manages its power consumption by activating sensors in response to detected occupancy rather than continuous operation, eliminating the need for external power management intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary occupancy detection using low-power sensors before activating full sensor arrays. When occupancy is detected, the system prepares for user interaction by activating relevant sensors in advance, ensuring responsive operation while minimizing overall power consumption through staged activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: providing a device having a counter that stores a cycle count measuring a number of clock cycles since the device was last turned ON or a timer that stores an elapsed time since the device was last turned ON; (a) flagging a first or additional defined memory location when the cycle count or the elapsed time reaches a first or additional first milestone; (b) unflagging the first or additional defined memory location when the cycle count or the elapsed time reaches a second or additional second milestone, wherein the second or additional second milestone is greater than the first or additional first milestone; (c) determining that the device is turned OFF and then ON again; repeating steps (a) through (c) a specified number of times; and resetting the device or turning a program ON when all the first or additional memory locations reach a specified flag configuration.