Burst Mode Image Sensor for 3D Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proximity sensors for touchless control of terminals are limited in recognizing user inputs beyond depth information, failing to detect leftward, rightward, upward, or downward movements effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image sensing apparatus with an optical source operating in burst mode, a pixel array, and an image sensor that can operate as either a 2D or 3D sensor, capable of detecting object positions and movements by merging output data in various domains, and compensating for reduced light intensity through photodiode area adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a proximity sensor is used for touchless control, then depth information can be obtained, but leftward, rightward, upward, or downward movements cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional depth detection using a proximity sensor to two-dimensional position detection using an image sensor with a pixel array. The image sensor detects both depth information and lateral movements (leftward, rightward, upward, downward) by analyzing the positions of reflected light across multiple pixels, thereby resolving the limitation of proximity sensors in detecting movement directions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an image sensor operates in burst mode with short turn-on cycles, then power consumption is reduced, but light intensity reaching the sensor is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output data from multiple pixels by summing their signals in the charge domain, analog domain, or digital domain. This merging process compensates for the reduced light intensity caused by short burst turn-on cycles, as the combined signal from multiple pixels provides sufficient total light information for accurate object position detection while maintaining low power consumption.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the optical source operates in burst mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the amount of reflected light is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by operating the optical source in burst mode with short turn-on cycles rather than continuously. Although this reduces the total amount of reflected light, the system compensates by merging signals from multiple pixels and using the available light information efficiently, achieving sufficient detection accuracy with lower overall energy consumption.
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 comprehensive detection of user inputs in both 2D and 3D spaces, enhancing the operational capabilities of terminals and wearable devices by accurately sensing object positions and movements, while reducing power consumption through burst mode operation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical source configured to emit light to a target area; a light collector configured to collect light reflected by an object located in the target area
Implementation Method 2
The pixel array may include pixels arranged in a linear circuit and a photodiode connected to the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing apparatus sensing a user input and an operating method of the image sensing apparatus are disclosed, in which the image sensing apparatus may include an optical source operating based on a burst mode including a turn-on cycle and a turn-off cycle, and an image sensor configured to receive a reflected light using a pixel array and output sensing data of a position of an object in a target area in the reflected light.