Ambient-Light Sensor Triggering for Low-Power Camera Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face high power consumption due to continuous operation of sensors and detection models for timely screen activation, reducing their standby time.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus utilizing an ambient light sensor to trigger a camera for image capture based on light intensity variation, with an AI processor analyzing the image to perform response operations, and transitioning components to low power states when not in use to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sensors and detection models are run in real time to detect user actions for timely screen activation, then the screen can be turned on accurately and quickly, but power consumption is severely increased and standby time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process into two stages: a low-power preliminary detection stage using ambient light sensor to detect light intensity changes, and a high-power confirmation stage using camera and detection model only when needed. This segmentation allows the device to maintain quick response capability while dramatically reducing overall power consumption during standby.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient light sensor performs preliminary detection of light intensity changes before triggering the more power-intensive camera and detection model. This preliminary action filters out most non-user events, ensuring that the high-power components are activated only when a genuine user interaction is likely, thus maintaining speed while reducing power consumption.
2Reliability
If sensors and detection models are run in real time to detect user actions, then response operations can be triggered accurately, but standby time is reduced due to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into a always-on low-power ambient light sensor for preliminary detection and an on-demand camera with detection model for confirmation. This ensures detection accuracy is maintained through the two-stage verification process while extending standby time by keeping the high-power components inactive during normal standby periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient light sensor acts as an intermediary between the user's physical action and the camera/detection model. It detects light intensity changes caused by user actions and only triggers the camera when a significant change is detected, thereby maintaining detection reliability while reducing the frequency of high-power component activation to extend standby time.
3Productivity
If the camera apparatus is continuously activated to capture images for gesture or face detection, then response operations can be performed quickly, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ambient light sensor performs preliminary detection of light intensity changes that may indicate user interaction before activating the camera. This preliminary action ensures that the camera is only activated when there is a likelihood of user presence or gesture, maintaining response operation speed for actual user interactions while significantly reducing power consumption by avoiding continuous camera activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous activation, the camera is activated periodically and on-demand based on triggers from the ambient light sensor. The system uses periodic polling of light intensity changes and only activates the camera when a trigger event occurs, thereby maintaining productivity for genuine user interactions while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Reduces power consumption by selectively activating components, prolonging the device's standby time while enabling quick response operations.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a first signal that indicates a light intensity variation from an ambient light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a controller, an image signal processor, an artificial intelligence AI processor, and a central processing unit. The processor is configured to: obtain a first signal that indicates a light intensity variation from an ambient light sensor, and trigger, based on the first signal, a camera apparatus to collect a first image. The image signal processor is configured to: receive the first image from the camera apparatus, process the first image to generate a second image, and provide the second image to the AI processor. The AI processor detects the second image to obtain an image detection result. The central processing unit is configured to perform a response operation based on the image detection result.