Image Depth Sensing Apparatus Mode Switching for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D image capturing devices face challenges in efficiently measuring depth across an entire area while minimizing power consumption, especially in the design trend of lightweight electronic devices, where power consumption is a critical factor affecting device usage time.
Innovation Solution
An image depth sensing method and apparatus that switch between a general mode and an enhanced mode for depth sensing based on the presence of distant objects within the field of view, using structured light techniques to determine depth, with the enhanced mode consuming more power but capable of detecting greater depths, thereby conserving power by maintaining the general mode when distant objects are not present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the enhanced mode is used for depth sensing, then the maximum detectable depth is increased beyond the distance threshold, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between general mode and enhanced mode based on whether distant objects are detected in the field of view. The processing device adjusts the depth sensing mode in real-time, transitioning from low-power general mode to high-performance enhanced mode only when necessary for capturing distant objects, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement capability and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between two distinct depth sensing modes with different performance characteristics. The general mode operates with lower power consumption and limited maximum depth, while the enhanced mode provides extended maximum detectable depth at higher power consumption. The system selects the appropriate parameter set based on scene requirements
2Use of energy by moving object
If the general mode is used for depth sensing, then the power consumption is reduced, but the maximum detectable depth is limited to the distance threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using the sufficient general mode for most typical scenarios where objects are within the distance threshold, avoiding the excessive power consumption of enhanced mode. Only when distant objects are detected does the system escalate to full enhanced mode action, ensuring power is not wasted on unnecessary high-performance operation
3Productivity
If structured light measurement technology is used to measure the distance of the whole area, then the processing time is reduced, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the depth sensing operation mode based on scene requirements. By switching between general mode and enhanced mode, the system optimizes the balance between processing speed and power consumption, using the faster enhanced mode only when distant objects require extended depth measurement capability
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
This approach effectively prolongs device usage time by optimizing power consumption by switching between modes based on the depth requirements within the field of view, ensuring efficient depth sensing while managing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
the light detecting device may detect the light reflected by the object and a reflecting angle thereof
Implementation Method 2
measure a difference between a time when a laser light is emitted and a time when the laser light is reflected by the object to serve as a time of flight (TOF) of photon
Data Source
AI summary
An image depth sensing method adapted to obtain depth information within a field of view by an image depth sensing apparatus is provided. The method includes the following steps: determining whether the field of view includes a distant object with a depth greater than a distance threshold; in response to determining that the field of view does not include the distant object, obtaining the depth information within the field of view according to a general mode; and in response to determining that the field of view includes the distant object, obtaining the depth information within the field of view according to an enhanced mode. A maximum depth which can be detected in the general mode is not greater than the distance threshold, and a maximum depth which can be detected in the enhanced mode is greater than the distance threshold. In addition, an image depth sensing apparatus is also provided.