Image Sensor Motion Detection Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image capturing devices face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining high resolution and efficient data transmission, particularly in scenarios with minimal motion, where reducing data transmission leads to a tradeoff in resolution.

Innovation Solution

An event-driven driving system that dynamically adjusts operation modes based on motion detection, transitioning from an illuminometer mode to all-pixel operation when motion is detected and back to illuminometer mode upon data transmission completion, coupled with collective AD conversion and signal processing for areas without motion to minimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If data transmission is reduced for areas without motion, then power consumption is reduced, but image resolution and data quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each group can be independently controlled. Motion detection is performed on a per-group basis, allowing the system to selectively reduce power consumption for static regions while maintaining high resolution for moving objects. This segmentation enables granular control over data transmission and processing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality levels are applied to different regions of the image based on motion detection results. Regions with motion maintain full resolution and processing quality, while regions without motion use reduced processing and transmission. This local quality adjustment resolves the contradiction by preserving image quality where needed while reducing power consumption in static areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If collective AD conversion is performed for pixel groups, then power consumption is reduced, but processing speed and responsiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the AD conversion strategy based on motion detection results. When motion is detected in a pixel group, individual pixel conversion is performed for faster processing. When no motion is detected, collective conversion is used to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between power consumption and processing speed in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Motion detection is performed periodically at specific timing points, and based on these periodic detections, the system switches between collective and individual AD conversion modes. This periodic monitoring approach ensures that processing speed is maintained when needed while allowing power-saving modes during static periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If operation mode switches between illuminometer mode and all-pixel operation, then power consumption is reduced, but detection accuracy and response time may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Motion detection is performed in advance using a low-power illuminometer mode before switching to full all-pixel operation. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for upcoming motion events, ensuring that when motion occurs, the system can quickly transition to high-accuracy mode without missing detection opportunities. This preliminary action maintains detection accuracy while minimizing power consumption during static periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors motion detection results and uses this feedback to dynamically switch between operation modes. When motion is detected, feedback triggers a transition to all-pixel operation mode. When no motion is detected for a predetermined period, feedback triggers a transition back to illuminometer mode. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable detection accuracy while optimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 allows the camera to operate for several months on a single coin-sized battery and reduces power consumption by selectively processing and transmitting data only from areas with motion, maintaining high resolution and low power usage.

Implementation Method 1

Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3713214B1Imaging device, imaging method, and imaging system

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

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AI summary

It is desirable to provide a technique capable of further reducing the power consumption of the image capturing device. An image capturing device including: a motion determination unit that determines the presence/absence of motion in a plurality of pixels on the basis of an addition signal of the plurality of pixels to obtain a motion determination result; and a transmission control unit that controls whether or not to transmit image data corresponding to at least the plurality of pixels on the basis of the motion determination result is provided.