3D Image Sensor Adaptive Activation for Mobile Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile systems face challenges in integrating 3D image sensors without increasing size, while also efficiently managing power consumption for proximity sensing and motion recognition.
Innovation Solution
A mobile system equipped with a 3D image sensor that performs proximity sensing and gesture recognition, utilizing a light source unit and depth pixels that can be selectively activated based on operation modes to reduce power consumption, and optionally incorporating a 2D image sensor for color information, allowing for concurrent operation modes to enhance functionality without size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 3D image sensor is integrated into a mobile system to perform proximity sensing and motion recognition, then the functionality is improved, but the size of the mobile system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions including proximity sensing, motion recognition, and gesture recognition using the same hardware components. The depth pixels and light source unit are utilized across different operation modes (first operation mode for proximity sensing, second operation mode for motion recognition) to provide versatile functionality without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby avoiding size increase
2Adaptability or versatility
If the 3D image sensor performs both proximity sensing and motion recognition continuously, then the functionality is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time requirements. The control unit switches between the first operation mode (proximity sensing only) and the second operation mode (motion recognition with all depth pixels activated) depending on whether motion recognition is needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain full functionality while minimizing power consumption by activating all components only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of the light source unit and depth pixels rather than continuous operation. The light source unit is activated in cycles corresponding to different sensing requirements, and the depth pixels are selectively activated based on the current operation mode. This periodic action pattern reduces average power consumption while maintaining the capability to perform both proximity sensing and motion recognition when needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective proximity sensing and motion recognition within mobile systems without size increase, while optimizing power usage through adaptive activation of image sensor components, thereby enhancing user interaction and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a three-dimensional (3D) image sensor on a first surface of the mobile system configured to perform a first sensing to detect proximity of a subject and a second sensing to recognize a gesture of the subject by acquiring distance information for the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile system may comprise a three-dimensional (3D) image sensor on a first surface of the mobile system configured to perform a first sensing to detect proximity of a subject and a second sensing to recognize a gesture of the subject by acquiring distance information for the subject; and/or a display device on the first surface of the mobile system to display results of the first sensing and the second sensing. A mobile system may comprise a light source unit; a plurality of depth pixels; and/or a plurality of color pixels. The light source unit, the plurality of depth pixels, or the plurality of color pixels may be activated based on an operation mode of the mobile system.