Ambient Light Sensing via Image Sensor Block Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple sensing devices, such as proximity sensors, in interactive devices like mobile phones and laptops increases cost, power consumption, and complexity, making them less competitive and less convenient for user control.
Innovation Solution
An ambient light sensing device that utilizes an existing image sensor to divide visible light images into blocks, extract sample data, generate comparison data, and analyze it to produce output signals for controlling the device, eliminating the need for additional sensors and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensing devices (proximity sensor, ambient light sensor) are equipped in an interactive device, then the sensing functions are improved, but the cost, power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional image capture and ambient light sensing. By analyzing different regions of the image data captured by the same sensor, the system achieves both imaging and light sensing capabilities without requiring separate dedicated sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sensing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ambient light sensing function with the existing image sensor by dividing the image into multiple blocks and analyzing luminance data from different regions. This merging approach integrates two sensing functions into a single hardware component, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the device structure
2Reliability
If multiple sensing devices are equipped in an interactive device, then the sensing functions are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor performs dual functions of image capture and ambient light sensing, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate ambient light sensors. This multi-functionality reduces component count and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining both sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
By merging ambient light sensing into the image sensor's functionality, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be sourced, manufactured, and assembled. This consolidation directly impacts cost reduction by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the bill of materials
3Reliability
If multiple sensing devices are equipped in an interactive device, then the sensing functions are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor serves dual purposes for both imaging and ambient light detection, meaning only one sensor needs to be powered and operated for both functions. This eliminates the need to power separate ambient light sensors, directly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining comprehensive sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
By combining ambient light sensing with image capture in a single sensor operation, the system reduces the total power draw. The image sensor can simultaneously perform both functions during normal operation, eliminating the need for additional power-hungry dedicated sensors
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to provide more control ways, then the control versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed to extract multiple types of information (image data, ambient light intensity, gesture patterns) from the same captured frames. This multi-functionality enables diverse control methods without adding hardware complexity, as the single sensor processes different aspects of the captured data for different control purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The image captured by the sensor is divided into multiple blocks for different analysis purposes. By segmenting the image data into regions of interest, the system can detect gestures, calculate ambient light, and recognize patterns simultaneously from the same data source, enabling versatile control without additional components
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an ambient light sensing device which receives at least one visible light image sensed by an image sensor. The ambient light sensing device includes an image sampling unit and an analyzing unit. The image sampling unit divides the visible light image into plural image blocks, extracts at least one sample data in each image block, and generates a comparison data according to a difference between the sample data extracted at different time points. The analyzing unit analyzes the comparison data and generates an output analysis signal accordingly.