Gesture Sensor Virtual Shutter Motion Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion detection systems in portable electronic devices face challenges with high power consumption and limited processing capacity, particularly when analyzing full color, high resolution images, and suffer from the 'rolling shutter' effect, which results in blurred motion detection.
Innovation Solution
A gesture sensor with a smaller form factor and lower resolution than conventional cameras, utilizing virtual shutters for simultaneous pixel exposure and larger pixels, which reduces power consumption and processing requirements while enabling accurate gesture recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full color, high resolution images are analyzed for motion detection, then motion detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task by using a gesture sensor array that captures only luminance information at a lower resolution, rather than processing full color, high resolution images. This segmentation allows motion detection to perform with reduced computational requirements while still achieving sufficient accuracy for gesture recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using larger pixels in the gesture sensor array optimized specifically for motion detection tasks, rather than using high resolution color sensors. The sensor array is designed with pixel characteristics locally optimized for detecting luminance changes and motion patterns, achieving adequate detection accuracy with lower resource consumption.
2Device complexity
If conventional cameras with rolling shutter are used for motion detection, then device complexity is reduced, but motion detection accuracy deteriorates due to blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a dedicated gesture sensor array with virtual shutters that capture all pixels simultaneously, rather than using conventional rolling shutter cameras. This inversion of the reading sequence eliminates the blur problem inherent in rolling shutter systems while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual shutter mechanism as an intermediary that enables simultaneous capture of all pixels in the sensor array. This virtual shutter acts as a mediator between the physical sensor and the data processing system, allowing the system to achieve global shutter functionality without the mechanical complexity of physical shutters.
3Use of energy by moving object
If basic gesture detectors are used, then power consumption is reduced, but gesture recognition capability is limited to simple motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to gesture detection by using a two-dimensional sensor array that captures spatial patterns of motion, rather than relying on single-axis accelerometers. This dimensional expansion enables the system to recognize complex gestures such as finger pinching and hand positioning while maintaining relatively low power consumption through efficient pixel-level processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having the gesture sensor array continuously monitor only luminance changes at a low frame rate, and only triggering full processing when motion is detected. This partial monitoring approach maintains low power consumption during idle periods while enabling comprehensive gesture recognition when needed.
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 solution allows for efficient and accurate gesture recognition with reduced power consumption and processing needs, enabling complex gesture detection in portable devices without significant resource drain.
Implementation Method 1
a gesture sensor having a form factor similar to that of a camera element... capable of capturing image information
Data Source
AI summary
The amount of power and processing needed to process gesture input for a computing device can be reduced by utilizing a separate gesture sensor. The gesture sensor can have a form factor similar to that of conventional camera elements, in order to reduce costs by being able to utilize readily available low cost parts, but can have a lower resolution and adjustable virtual shutter such that fast motions can be captured and/or recognized by the device. In some devices, a subset of the pixels of the gesture sensor can be used as a motion detector, enabling the gesture sensor to run in a low power state unless there is likely gesture input to process. Further, at least some of the processing and circuitry can be included with the gesture sensor such that various functionality can be performed without accessing a central processor or system bus, thus further reducing power consumption.