Integrated Ambient Light Sensor for Camera Exposure Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices face latency and resource consumption issues when determining appropriate exposure settings for camera images due to the need for multiple iterations and high bandwidth data transfer, which degrades user experience and battery life, especially in portable devices with limited processing capability.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an ambient light sensor within the camera module allows for initial exposure setting determination using a microprocessor, reducing latency and power consumption by providing a more accurate baseline for exposure adjustments, and enabling continuous updates to maintain image quality under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exposure control algorithm is executed on main processor with multiple iterations, then appropriate exposure setting is achieved, but latency increases and user experience degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the exposure control function into two segments: an initial exposure setting determined by the camera module's microprocessor using ambient light sensor data, and subsequent iterative adjustments performed by the main processor. This segmentation allows the time-critical initial setting to be made quickly at the camera module, reducing latency to the first usable frame while maintaining final exposure accuracy through main processor iterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the camera module's microprocessor determine an initial exposure setting before the main processor begins its iterative exposure control algorithm. The ambient light sensor provides advance information about lighting conditions, allowing the system to start with a pre-calculated exposure setting that is already close to optimal, thereby reducing the number of iterations needed and overall latency.
2Measurement precision
If exposure control algorithm runs multiple iterations on main processor, then accurate exposure setting is achieved, but power consumption and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computationally intensive exposure control tasks between the camera module's microprocessor and the main processor. The microprocessor handles the initial exposure calculation using ambient light sensor data, which is less power-intensive than running the full iterative algorithm on the main processor. This reduces overall power consumption while maintaining exposure accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module performs self-service by autonomously determining its initial exposure setting using its integrated ambient light sensor and microprocessor, without requiring the main processor to perform this calculation. This self-service capability reduces the workload on the main processor, thereby reducing overall system power consumption and resource usage.
3Measurement precision
If ambient light sensor is integrated in camera module, then initial exposure setting accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ambient light sensor with the camera module, combining two functional elements into a single integrated unit. This integration improves exposure setting accuracy by providing direct local measurement of ambient light conditions at the camera location, while the merging itself reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate components and their interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ambient light sensor serves multiple functions: it provides illumination data for exposure control, can be used for ambient light display adjustments, and enables the camera module to autonomously determine initial exposure settings. This multi-functionality justifies the integration and reduces the need for separate dedicated components, effectively managing device complexity.
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 latency and resource consumption, allowing for faster convergence of image settings and improved image quality, particularly in varying light conditions, while minimizing power usage and processing demands.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient light sensor integrated in a camera module with the camera that is to capture the image(s)
Data Source
AI summary
The amount of resources needed to provide automatic exposure control (AEC) for a camera of a computing device, as well as the amount of latency required to determine an appropriate exposure setting for current conditions, can be improved utilizing an ambient light sensor (ALS) that is integrated with a camera module corresponding to the camera. The ALS can capture data regarding the amount of ambient light around the device, and a microprocessor or other component of the camera module can analyze the data using an AEC algorithm or other such process to determine one or more initial exposure settings for the camera. This process can be completed without sending image data to a host processor or other such component. Providing relatively accurate initial exposure settings can, in at least many situations, enable the AEC algorithm to more quickly converge to proper settings than is possible using conventional approaches.