Image Processing Device Standby Mechanism for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing devices, such as electronic endoscopes, face challenges in reducing power consumption due to the need for continuous image processing and face recognition, which prevents them from switching to low power modes as idle periods are minimal or non-existent.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a standby-state image processing mechanism that uses low-resolution images to detect changes in the environment, allowing the device to switch to low power modes like DEEP SLEEP, and only engaging high-resolution image processing when changes are detected, thereby extending idle periods and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous high-resolution image processing is performed to ensure no important events are missed, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image processing into two distinct stages: a first process that processes only a portion of the image (e.g., specific regions or lower resolution) and a second process that processes the entire image at full resolution. This segmentation allows the system to perform continuous monitoring with reduced power consumption while maintaining the ability to perform complete high-resolution processing when needed for reliable detection of important events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing image processing on only a portion of the image during the first process, rather than processing the entire high-resolution image continuously. This partial processing approach reduces power consumption while still maintaining sufficient detection reliability for monitoring purposes, with the option to perform complete processing when events require full analysis.
2Reliability
If image processing is performed on a constant basis to capture all events, then detection completeness is improved, but idle period duration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between a first image processing mode (processing portion of image) and a second image processing mode (processing entire image). The system periodically switches between these modes based on detection needs, allowing idle periods to occur during the first process while maintaining detection completeness through the periodic execution of the more thorough second process.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the image processing into two distinct processes with different scopes, the system creates temporal separation between active processing periods and idle periods. The first process handles routine monitoring with shorter processing time, creating opportunities for idle periods, while the second process ensures complete detection coverage periodically.
3Speed
If the information processing device remains in active state to perform continuous image processing, then processing speed is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image processing capability adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically switches between two processing modes: a first mode that processes only a portion of the image (faster execution, lower power) and a second mode that processes the entire image (comprehensive but more resource-intensive). This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain processing speed when needed while reducing power consumption during stable periods.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, in an information processing device, when there is no change in a first image received from an image sensor, reception of the next first image is awaited. When there is a change in the first image, a second image having a higher resolution than the first image is received from the image sensor and processing for the second image is performed.