Image Sensor Power Control via Object Movement Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices equipped with visual input sensors face challenges in managing battery life due to high power consumption during continuous image capture, leading to increased heat generation and reduced battery and microprocessor lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves detecting threshold conditions in image data from the sensor and adjusting settings such as power consumption, frame rate, and resolution to dynamically manage power usage based on object movement and presence, thereby reducing heat generation and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous image capture is performed to track objects, then object tracking capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image capture system adaptable and adjustable based on real-time conditions. The frame rate, resolution, and power consumption settings are dynamically changed according to object movement detection and threshold conditions, rather than operating at fixed high settings continuously. This allows the system to maintain object tracking capability while optimizing power consumption based on actual tracking needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying multiple operational parameters including frame rate, resolution, and power consumption levels based on detected object movement and threshold conditions. When objects are stationary or movement is minimal, the system reduces these parameters to conserve power. When movement exceeds thresholds, parameters are increased to maintain tracking accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between tracking performance and power usage.
2Measurement precision
If high power consumption is used for continuous sensor operation, then image capture quality is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent high-power operation rather than continuous high-power operation. The system periodically adjusts power consumption levels based on detected threshold conditions related to object movement. High power consumption is used only when necessary to maintain image capture quality during significant object movement, while lower power consumption is used during periods of minimal movement, thus reducing overall heat generation while maintaining capture quality when needed.
3Reliability
If continuous image data writing to memory is performed, then data completeness is improved, but current draw increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by writing only necessary portions of image data to memory based on detected threshold conditions. Rather than writing all image data continuously regardless of content or movement, the system selectively writes data when object movement exceeds thresholds or when tracking conditions require it. This partial writing approach maintains data completeness for tracked objects while significantly reducing the current draw associated with continuous memory writing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments related to detecting object information from image data collected by an image sensor are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the object information is detected by receiving a frame of image data from the image sensor and detecting a change in a threshold condition related to an object within the frame. The embodiment further comprises adjusting a setting that changes a power consumption of the image sensor in response to detecting the threshold condition.