Dual-Mode IR Camera Masked Sensor Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera devices face high power consumption issues, especially when using IR illumination for applications like access control, leading to frequent battery replacement or charging burdens, and existing always-on systems either consume excessive power or have low performance in 3D analysis.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode camera system with a CMOS image sensor using a mask to differentiate between ambient light and IR light, where a majority of pixels are sensitive to IR, allowing for low-power always-on operation and activating IR illumination only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IR illumination is used for recognition applications, then recognition accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: passive ambient light mode for continuous monitoring and active IR illumination mode for enhanced recognition. The processor activates the light source only when a trigger event is detected, making the system adaptive rather than static, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining recognition accuracy when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic scanning using the masked sensor to detect trigger events, and only activates IR illumination periodically when such events occur. This periodic activation pattern replaces continuous illumination, significantly reducing power consumption while ensuring recognition accuracy is maintained when required
2Reliability
If continuous operation is ensured, then device availability is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into two functional groups: unmasked pixels for passive ambient light detection and masked pixels for active IR detection. This segmentation allows the system to operate continuously in low-power passive mode while reserving full functionality for periodic active mode, thus maintaining device availability without continuously draining the battery
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state between passive always-on mode and active illumination mode. The processor continuously monitors for trigger events using minimal power, then dynamically activates the light source and full imaging capability only when necessary, optimizing the balance between continuous availability and battery life
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced recognition applications are executed, then functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recognition system is segmented into two operational pathways: basic ambient light recognition using unmasked pixels for everyday operations, and advanced IR-enhanced recognition using masked pixels when sophisticated analysis is required. This segmentation allows the system to provide advanced functionality on-demand without continuously consuming the high power required for full-capability operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial recognition actions continuously using only the unmasked pixels in passive mode, which consumes minimal power. Full recognition capability with IR illumination is activated only when trigger events indicate that advanced functionality is needed, applying the principle of doing just enough work at any given moment rather than maintaining full capacity continuously
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 system operates in a low-power mode continuously and consumes additional power only when needed for IR illumination, extending battery life and reducing costs while maintaining effective image processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a mask, wherein the plurality of pixels comprise pixels of a first group that are not masked by the mask and receive one or more first wavelength range, and pixels of a second group that are masked by the mask and receive one or more second wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An object recognition device, method and computer program product, the device including a sensor having a plurality of pixels, a mask, where the pixels include a non-masked first group that receives a first wavelength, and a masked second group that receives a second wavelength differing from the first, where the mask passes at most 10% of energy of the first wavelength, and the second group are a majority of the pixels, a light source radiating in the second wavelength, and a processor for operating in a first mode where light in the first wavelength is received by the first group, including capturing a first image by the first group, and analyzing the first image, to recognize a trigger event, and subject to the trigger event, operating in a second mode, including: activating the light source, capturing a second image by the second group, and analyzing the second image.