Distance Measuring Sensor With Integrated Low-Power Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring sensors in smartphones require significant power consumption for detection processes, necessitating a reduction in power usage without compromising detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring sensor with a light receiving unit, depth calculation unit, and detection processing unit that calculates distance and luminance information and executes detection processes based on selected operation modes, reducing power consumption while maintaining detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection process is executed by application processor using distance measuring sensor output, then detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the distance measuring sensor and detection processing unit into a single integrated module. The detection processing unit is directly coupled to the light receiving unit and depth calculation unit, allowing detection processes (proximity detection, face detection, pupil detection) to be executed within the sensor module itself rather than by the application processor, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection processing unit as an intermediary component between the depth calculation unit and the application processor. This intermediate unit pre-processes distance measurement data and generates detection results, reducing the computational burden on the application processor and lowering overall system power consumption while preserving detection functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection processes are executed sequentially, then detection comprehensiveness is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the detection processing unit perform proximity detection first as a preliminary step before executing more complex detection processes. The control unit determines whether to execute subsequent detection processes based on the proximity detection result, avoiding unnecessary processing time while maintaining comprehensive detection capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection process execution flexible and adaptive. The control unit dynamically determines which detection processes to execute based on operation modes and detection results from previous processes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to balance comprehensiveness and processing time by executing only necessary detection processes in given situations
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
The sensor efficiently performs detection processes using distance and luminance information, reducing power requirements while maintaining accurate detection of proximity, head portion, face, and pupil detection.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit that receives reflected light obtained by reflection of irradiation light emitted from a predetermined light emitting source by an object
Implementation Method 2
In the Indirect ToF method, light is emitted toward an object and the light reflected on a surface of the object is detected, and the distance to the object is calculated on the basis of a measurement value obtained by measuring a flight time of the light
Data Source
AI summary
Distance measuring is disclosed. In one example, a distance measuring sensor includes a light receiving unit that receives reflected light obtained by reflection of irradiation light emitted from a predetermined light emitting source by an object; a depth calculation unit that calculates distance information to the object and luminance information from a signal obtained by the light receiving unit; and a detection processing unit that executes a predetermined detection process by using at least one of the distance information or the luminance information in accordance with a current operation mode selected from among a plurality of operation modes, and outputs a result of a detection process to the outside together with the distance information and the luminance information.