Depth-Sensing Device Segmented Pixel Array for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-of-flight distance measuring techniques face challenges in achieving high resolution while minimizing power consumption, as increasing frequency increases power consumption and reducing resolution leads to errors in depth information collection.
Innovation Solution
A depth-sensing device with a pixel array that includes first-type and second-type pixels, where only the first-type pixels are used to calculate time-of-flight and depth information, while second-type pixels are disabled to conserve power and speed up processing without compromising accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the operating frequency is increased to reduce delay time and improve resolution, then the processing speed and resolution are improved, but the power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into two types: first-type pixels that are active and contribute to depth information calculation, and second-type pixels that are inactive and do not consume power. This segmentation allows the system to reduce the number of active pixels, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining processing speed for the active pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using all pixels in the pixel array for depth information calculation, the patent applies partial action by using only a subset of pixels (first-type pixels). This partial utilization reduces the overall power consumption while maintaining sufficient processing speed and resolution for the active pixels.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the resolution is decreased to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the error and misinterpretation of depth information increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into first-type and second-type pixels, where only first-type pixels are used for depth information calculation. This segmentation maintains measurement precision for the active pixels while reducing overall power consumption, as the second-type pixels do not consume power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of pixels from all-active to selectively-active. By controlling which pixels are active (first-type vs. second-type), the system maintains depth information accuracy for the active pixels while reducing power consumption through the inactive pixels.
3Measurement precision
If all pixels in the pixel array are used to calculate depth information, then the resolution and depth information accuracy are improved, but the power consumption increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into first-type pixels for depth information calculation and second-type pixels that are inactive. This segmentation maintains depth information accuracy using only the necessary first-type pixels, while reducing power consumption by keeping second-type pixels inactive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary second-type pixels from the active pixel set used for depth information calculation. This extraction maintains measurement precision with fewer pixels while reducing power consumption and improving processing speed.
4Measurement precision
If all pixels in the pixel array are used for depth information calculation, then the depth information accuracy is improved, but the processing speed and delay time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into first-type pixels that are actively processed and second-type pixels that are inactive. This segmentation reduces the number of pixels requiring processing, thereby reducing delay time and improving processing speed while maintaining depth information accuracy with the active first-type pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only a subset of pixels (first-type pixels) for depth information calculation instead of all pixels. This partial utilization reduces processing load and delay time while maintaining sufficient depth information accuracy.
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 reduces power consumption and increases processing speed while maintaining accuracy by selectively using only the necessary pixels for depth information calculation.
Implementation Method 1
The time-of-flight (TOF) distance measuring technique calculates the time-of-flight of light signals from a transmitter to a receiver by continuously sending light signals from the transmitter to the target and receiving the light signals back from the target at the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a depth-sensing device and a related electronic device and method for operating the depth-sensing device. The depth-sensing device includes: an image sensor, which includes a pixel array, configured to sense a reflected light signal reflected from a target to the pixel array, wherein reflected light signal forms a plurality of light speckles on the pixel array, and the pixel array includes a plurality of first-type pixels and a plurality of second-type pixels, wherein the first-type pixel are distributed in a first set of pixel rows of the pixel array, the second-type pixels are distributed in a second set of pixel rows of the pixel array, and the pixel rows extend toward a first predetermined direction.