Dynamic Image Sensor ROI Selection for Visible Light Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Visible Light Communication (VLC), the image sensor of a mobile device typically operates in a full-size mode, wasting power and resources by activating all pixels in the field of view, even if the VLC source only covers a small portion, leading to reduced battery life and lower effective sampling rates.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor is dynamically configured to operate in different operational modes based on the position of the VLC source, using the smallest region of interest that covers the source, thereby reducing power consumption and improving data sampling rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image sensor operates in full-size mode to capture the entire field of view, then the VLC source can be fully detected, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by activating only the specific region of interest (ROI) containing the VLC source rather than the entire pixel array. The image sensor dynamically configures different operational modes that activate only the necessary local area, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable VLC source detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple regions by dividing it into different operational modes. Each mode corresponds to a specific ROI that can be independently activated. The system segments the activation area from the entire sensor to only the necessary portion containing the VLC source.
2Reliability
If the image sensor operates in full-size mode to capture the entire field of view, then the VLC source can be fully detected, but the effective sampling rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By focusing detection resources on the local ROI containing the VLC source rather than the entire field of view, the system improves the effective sampling rate. The concentrated detection in the relevant area increases the sampling efficiency without compromising VLC source detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation of the pixel array into selectable ROIs allows the system to process fewer pixels at higher rates. By segmenting the detection area to match the actual source location, the effective sampling rate increases while maintaining detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the image sensor activates all pixels to ensure complete coverage, then detection accuracy is maintained, but unnecessary pixels waste power and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by activating only the ROI with sufficient resolution to maintain detection accuracy. The system ensures that the activated region contains enough detail for accurate VLC source detection while avoiding activation of unnecessary surrounding pixels that would waste energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary portion of the sensor required for accurate detection. Rather than activating all pixels (excessive action), the system activates just enough pixels in the ROI to maintain measurement precision while reducing energy loss.
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 reduces power consumption and enhances the effective sampling rate of VLC signals by activating only the necessary pixels, optimizing battery life and communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining an image of a VLC source using the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are techniques for dynamically configuring an image sensor of a mobile device for visible light communication (VLC) to an operational mode based on the position of the image of a VLC source on the image sensor and the different regions of interest (ROIs) of different operational modes of the image sensor. The operational mode that the image sensor is configured to has the smallest ROI among ROIs of operational modes that include at least a portion of the image of the VLC source on the image sensor. Techniques disclosed herein can reduce the power consumption of the mobile device during VLC communication and improve the effective sampling rate of VLC signals by the image sensor.