Infrared Light Emission Control for Face Detection Power Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information processing systems that use infrared light for face detection suffer from high power consumption, particularly in battery-operated devices, as they do not effectively manage infrared light emission.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an infrared light emission control section that controls the emission of infrared light based on face detection results, stopping and resuming emission after a predetermined time period, and using a motion sensor to adjust emission accordingly, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining convenience for face detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If infrared light is continuously emitted for face detection, then face detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveface detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared light emitter operates periodically rather than continuously. The control section stops infrared light emission after successful face detection and resumes emission after a predetermined time period elapses, creating a periodic on-off cycle that reduces power consumption while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from face detection results to control infrared light emission. When face detection succeeds, the control section receives this information and stops infrared light emission. The feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt emission based on actual detection needs, avoiding unnecessary power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If infrared light emission is stopped to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but face detection convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidface detection convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary face detection using existing images before stopping infrared light emission. The control section determines whether to stop emission based on prior detection results, ensuring face detection convenience is maintained before transitioning to power-saving mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared light emission state is dynamic rather than static. The system transitions between emission and non-emission states based on detection results and elapsed time, allowing the system to adapt between power consumption and detection convenience requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the predetermined time period is extended to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The predetermined time period is set to a specific optimized value that balances power consumption and response time. By carefully selecting this parameter, the system achieves adequate power savings while maintaining acceptable response time for face detection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces power consumption while ensuring quick and accurate face detection, even in changing light conditions, by optimizing the use of infrared light emission in hand-held information processing devices.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared light emitter capable of emitting infrared light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

reflected light of the emitted infrared light is detected to be outputted as an infrared light image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2987541B1Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2987541B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2987541B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2987541B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An example information processing apparatus including an infrared light emitter capable of emitting infrared light and a camera capable of at least taking an infrared light image is provided. In the information processing apparatus, first, an image taken by use of the camera is obtained. A face detection process based on the image is repeatedly executed. Then, based on a result of the face detection process, emission of the infrared light is stopped and emission of the infrared light is resumed after a lapse of a predetermined time period.