Image Sensor Optical Wireless Communication Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices with camera and proximity sensor modules lack efficient integration of optical wireless communication capabilities, limiting their ability to simultaneously capture images and communicate data optically.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an image sensor with wireless optical communication capability, which operates in parallel channels for image sensing and communication, allowing for simultaneous image capture and optical data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device integrates both camera and proximity sensor modules, then the device can perform image capture and proximity sensing functions, but the device lacks efficient integration of optical wireless communication capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: image capture and optical wireless communication. The sensor array can operate in different modes to capture either images or communication signals, allowing a single component to serve dual purposes and reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is divided into different regions or groups of pixels that can be independently controlled. Some pixels are used for image capture while others are used for optical communication, allowing simultaneous operation of both functions without interference. This segmentation enables parallel processing of image and communication data.
2Productivity
If the image sensor operates in parallel channels for image sensing and communication, then simultaneous image capture and optical data transmission is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into different pixel groups that can be independently controlled for different functions. This allows parallel operation of image capture and optical communication channels by directing light to different pixel segments simultaneously, achieving high productivity without requiring completely separate hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension of the sensor array by assigning different regions for different functions. Instead of adding temporal or functional complexity, the solution leverages the two-dimensional pixel grid to simultaneously handle multiple tasks, effectively using space to manage complexity.
3Reliability
If dedicated communication sensor elements are provided in the sensor array, then optical communication efficiency is improved, but the area available for image capture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array elements are designed to be multi-functional, capable of serving both image capture and optical communication purposes. By using the same pixel elements for both functions through temporal or spatial multiplexing, the patent avoids dedicating separate pixels solely for communication, thereby preserving image capture area while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array dynamically switches between image capture mode and optical communication mode, or simultaneously performs both functions by dynamically allocating pixel resources. This dynamic allocation allows the system to optimize performance for each function at different times or in different regions, balancing communication reliability with image capture area.
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
Enables efficient and simultaneous image capture and optical wireless communication, enhancing the functionality of mobile devices by providing a robust solution for optical data transmission alongside image sensing.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor array is configured to receive and process light containing image information and communication information
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera for capturing an image comprising: an image sensor configured to generate image sensor data in response to received light; a processing resource configured to process the image sensor data to obtain image data and communication data, wherein obtaining the communication data comprises performing a demodulation process in respect of at least part of the image sensor data, wherein the processing resource is further configured to transmit the communication data and the image data to at least one further processing resource.