Imaging Unit Stepwise Resolution Control for Standby Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses equipped with imaging units face high standby power consumption due to the higher power usage of these units compared to proximity sensors, which are used to detect user presence and transition the device between operational and standby states.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an imaging unit with an image sensor and an image processor that increases resolution and frame rate in a stepwise manner to detect user presence, allowing for accurate detection while minimizing power consumption by transitioning between different detection stages, and outputs a cancel request through a different device class interface when a user is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging unit operates continuously at high resolution and frame rate to detect user presence, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the standby power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit dynamically adjusts its operating parameters (resolution and frame rate) based on detection needs. During standby state, it operates at reduced resolution and frame rate to minimize power consumption, while maintaining the capability to detect user presence. When a user is detected, it transitions to higher resolution and frame rate for detailed processing, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous high-accuracy detection and low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process is segmented into multiple stages with different resolution and frame rate requirements. The system first performs detection at lower resolution to identify potential user presence, then selectively increases resolution only when needed for confirmation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain detection accuracy while minimizing the time spent at high power-consuming states.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the imaging unit reduces resolution and frame rate during standby state to lower power consumption, then standby power is reduced, but detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using only the necessary portion of the imaging unit's full capability during standby state. Instead of operating at full resolution and frame rate, it uses reduced settings that are sufficient for basic detection purposes. This partial operation maintains adequate detection accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to full-capability operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (resolution and frame rate) based on the operational state. During standby, it uses lower parameter settings to reduce power consumption, while maintaining the ability to switch to higher parameters when detection is required. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If the imaging unit processes images at high resolution to ensure accurate user detection, then detection reliability is improved, but the processing time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing is segmented into stages: initial detection at lower resolution to quickly identify potential user presence, followed by selective high-resolution processing only when needed for confirmation. This segmentation reduces the overall processing time while maintaining detection reliability, as high-resolution processing is applied only to relevant cases rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies high-resolution processing partially, only when initial detection indicates user presence. Instead of processing all images at high resolution, it uses reduced resolution for preliminary detection and reserves high-resolution processing for cases where it is truly needed, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining reliability.
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 enables correct user detection while significantly reducing standby power consumption, avoiding false detections and ensuring secure operation by only outputting a cancel request instead of the detected image.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit having an image sensor configured to detect a plurality of pieces of pixel information
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: an imaging unit having an image sensor to detect a plurality of pieces of pixel information, the imaging unit being configured to generate an image made up of the plurality of pieces of pixel information detected by the image sensor; an image processor to detect whether a user is present or not in a predetermined detection range, based on an image made up of a plurality of pieces of pixel information detected by the image sensor; and an operation control unit to, when the image processor detects the user in the predetermined range, cancel a standby state where a part of the system functions stops. In the standby state, the imaging unit increases at least one of resolution and a frame rate in a stepwise manner to detect the plurality of pieces of pixel information.