Imaging Device Pixel Row Segmentation for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices do not sufficiently reduce power consumption when imaging a region of interest (ROI) as they separate the imaging of the target object region and the entire region, leading to inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a two-dimensional pixel array that performs high-resolution imaging on a first pixel row within the ROI and low-resolution imaging on other pixel rows, using image processing units to generate images and control the imaging element to adjust frame rates and exposure based on motion detection, allowing for dynamic adjustment of imaging parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging device performs high-resolution imaging for the entire region, then the image quality is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the pixel array into multiple regions: a first region (ROI) that requires high-resolution imaging and second regions that can use lower-resolution imaging. This segmentation allows the device to apply different imaging resolutions to different areas, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high image quality where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different imaging characteristics to different spatial regions. The first region (ROI) receives high-resolution imaging with full power, while the second regions use reduced-resolution imaging with lower power consumption. This creates a quality gradient that optimizes the balance between image quality and energy usage based on local requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the imaging device performs low-resolution imaging for the entire region, then the power consumption is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device segments the pixel array into a first region for high-resolution imaging and second regions for low-resolution imaging. This allows the system to maintain acceptable image quality in the first region while significantly reducing power consumption through low-resolution imaging in the second regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that the first region (which contains the region of interest) maintains high imaging quality while the second regions accept lower quality in exchange for reduced power consumption. This creates a localized quality preservation strategy that protects critical image data while saving energy.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the imaging device images only the target object region at high resolution, then the power consumption is reduced, but the motion detection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device segments the pixel array into a first region for high-resolution imaging and second regions for low-resolution imaging. Motion detection is performed using data from both regions, allowing the system to detect motion accurately while maintaining reduced power consumption through the low-resolution second regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the first pixel row for dual purposes: generating high-resolution images of the ROI and providing data for motion detection. The second pixel rows, while used for lower-resolution imaging, also contribute to overall scene understanding and motion detection, maximizing the utility of each imaged region.
Data Source
AI summary
Power consumption of an imaging element which outputs only a region of interest (ROI) at high resolution is reduced. In a two-dimensional pixel array in which pixel rows arranged in a predetermined direction are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the imaging element performs imaging at high resolution for a first pixel row including a predetermined region and performs imaging at low resolution for a second pixel row other than this. The first image processing unit generates an image of a predetermined region on the basis of an imaging signal of the first pixel row. A pixel adding unit performs an adding process between pixels on the imaging signal of the first pixel row to make resolution the same as resolution of the imaging signal of the second pixel row. The second image processing unit generates an image of an entire region on the basis of the imaging signal of the second pixel row and the imaging signal of the first pixel row subjected to the adding process.