Dynamic Resolution Pixel Array for Low Power Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in reducing power consumption and data rate while maintaining important information, as they often require constant updating of background models due to changes in lighting and object movement, and lack efficient methods to read out only relevant data from pixel arrays.
Innovation Solution
The imaging system employs a pixel array divided into groups of photosensitive elements that can operate in high or low resolution modes based on detected light intensity values and moving objects, with a processor controlling the analog-to-digital converter to adjust bit depth and update rates, allowing for dynamic resolution and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all photosensitive elements operate in high resolution mode continuously, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases and productivity decreases due to unnecessary data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling photosensitive elements to dynamically switch between high resolution mode and low resolution mode based on detected motion. When motion is detected in a region, photosensitive elements in that region operate in high resolution mode to maintain detection accuracy, while elements in static regions operate in low resolution mode to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining measurement precision and reducing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different regions of the pixel array to operate at different resolution levels simultaneously. Regions containing moving objects maintain high resolution for accurate detection, while regions with static background operate at low resolution to save energy. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying high measurement precision only where necessary rather than uniformly across the entire array.
2Measurement precision
If all photosensitive elements operate in high resolution mode continuously, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational mode of photosensitive elements based on motion detection. When no motion is detected in a region, elements switch to low resolution mode, significantly reducing the volume of data that requires processing. This dynamic adjustment maintains detection accuracy when needed while improving overall data processing efficiency by reducing unnecessary high-resolution data generation in static regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array operate at different resolution qualities based on local motion characteristics. This local differentiation ensures that high measurement precision is applied only to regions containing moving objects, while static regions operate at lower resolution. Consequently, the overall data processing load is reduced while maintaining detection accuracy where required.
3Reliability
If background model is constantly updated to track changes, then reliability of object detection is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system updates the background model selectively rather than continuously. Background model updates are triggered by motion detection events rather than occurring at every frame, reducing processing energy while maintaining detection reliability. When motion is detected, the system processes high-resolution data and updates the background model as needed, while during static periods, low-resolution processing is used with minimal background model updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The background model updating mechanism operates dynamically, adjusting its activity based on scene changes. When the scene is static, background model updates are minimized or skipped to save energy. When motion is detected, the system activates full processing and background model updates to maintain detection reliability. This dynamic updating strategy resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable detection and reducing processing energy consumption.
4Use of energy by moving object
If data rate is reduced by selective reading, then use of energy decreases, but loss of information may occur if important data is missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary motion detection at a lower processing level before determining which regions require high-resolution data readout. By detecting motion first and then selectively reading high-resolution data only from regions containing moving objects, the system avoids losing important visual information while minimizing the overall data rate and reducing power consumption associated with processing all pixels at full resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different data readout qualities to different regions based on local motion characteristics. Regions containing moving objects are read out at high resolution to preserve important visual information, while static regions are read out at low resolution or skipped entirely. This local differentiation reduces the overall data rate and power consumption while ensuring that important information about moving objects is not lost.
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 data processing while maintaining accurate detection of moving objects and background changes, enabling efficient energy use without losing important visual information.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array having a plurality of photosensitive elements arranged in a grid formation and being divided into a plurality of groups of photosensitive elements, the photosensitive elements in each group of photosensitive elements being adjacent to one another in the grid formation, the pixel array being configured to output readout voltages proportional to light intensities at individual photosensitive elements in the plurality of photosensitive elements
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for low-power and low data-rate applications is provided. The imaging system comprises a pixel array having a plurality of photosensitive elements (pixels) divided into a plurality of groups of photosensitive elements (super pixels). An image processor is operably connected to the pixel array and configured to selectively operate each group of photosensitive elements in either (i) a high resolution mode in which the pixel array outputs readout voltages corresponding to all of the photosensitive elements in the respective group of photosensitive elements or (ii) a low resolution mode in which the pixel array outputs readout voltages corresponding to only a subset of the photosensitive elements in the respective group of photosensitive elements. Groups of photosensitive elements corresponding to detected motion in each image frame are operated in the high resolution mode, while the remaining groups of photosensitive elements are operated in the low resolution mode.