Dynamic Image Sensing Region Control for Power and Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image sensing apparatuses consume excessive power and detect incorrect images due to fixed sensing regions, which can be affected by disturbances like dust or dirt.

Innovation Solution

An image sensing apparatus with a control unit that dynamically adjusts the image sensing region between a smaller first region and an even smaller second region, allowing for different modes of operation to optimize power usage and image accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the total image sensing region is utilized to sense an image, then the sensing coverage is maximized, but the power consumption increases and wrong images may be detected due to disturbance regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sensing regionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the image sensing region adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically selects between a first image sensing region (smaller than total region) and a second image sensing region (smaller than first region) based on different modes, enabling the system to adapt the sensing area to actual needs and reduce power consumption when full coverage is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the total image sensing region into multiple usable regions (first image sensing region and second image sensing region). By dividing the total region into smaller selectable segments, the system can activate only the necessary portion for each mode, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate sensing coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the total image sensing region is utilized to sense an image, then the sensing coverage is maximized, but wrong images may be detected due to disturbance regions caused by dust or dirt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sensing regionVSAvoidimage detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and excludes disturbance regions from the image sensing process. By configuring the first and second image sensing regions to be smaller than the total region and positioned to avoid disturbance regions (such as areas affected by dust or dirt), the system extracts only the clean, useful sensing areas while eliminating regions that would cause detection errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different quality characteristics to different regions. The first and second image sensing regions are specifically configured to have high quality (free from disturbance), while the total region includes lower quality areas (with dust or dirt). The system selectively uses only the high-quality regions appropriate for each mode, ensuring accurate image detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If a smaller first image sensing region is used instead of the total region, then power consumption is reduced, but the sensing coverage is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage sensing region
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic adaptability. The control unit switches between different image sensing region configurations (first region, second region, or potentially total region) based on operational modes and actual sensing requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to use smaller regions for power savings when appropriate, while maintaining the capability to expand coverage when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of image sensing region size according to different modes. By adjusting the sensing region parameter dynamically - using the first smaller region for normal operation to save power, and having the option to use larger regions when full coverage is required - the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and sensing coverage based on actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9383866B2Image sensing apparatus, optical touch control apparatus and motion tracking apparatus utilizing the image sensing apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 PIXART IMAGING INC
  • US9383866B2 patent drawing
  • US9383866B2 patent drawing
  • US9383866B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image sensing apparatus, comprising: a control unit; and an image sensor, wherein the control unit controls the image sensor to utilize a first image sensing region to sense a first image to output a first image signal in a first mode, wherein the control unit controls the image sensor to utilize a second image sensing region to sense a second image to output a second image signal in a second mode. The first image sensing region is smaller than a total image sensing region of the image sensor, and the second image sensing region is smaller than the first image sensing region.