Interactive Input System Using ASIC-Based Imaging Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive input systems are hindered by large, expensive, and power-inefficient off-the-shelf components, as well as limited processing and communication speeds in processor circuitry, leading to latency issues.
Innovation Solution
An interactive input system utilizing at least two imaging assemblies with ASIC-based image sensors and signal processing circuitry, combined with digital signal processors and an image data concentrator, to capture and process image frames, remove ambient light artifacts, and determine pointer locations efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If off-the-shelf components are used in interactive input systems, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device size increases, manufacturing costs increase, and power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the processing function into multiple imaging assemblies, each with its own ASIC-based image sensor and signal processing circuitry. Each assembly independently captures and pre-processes image data from its field of view, segmenting the overall processing load and enabling compact design while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The ASIC-based image sensors and signal processing circuitry are designed to perform multiple functions: capturing image frames, removing ambient light artifacts, detecting pointer presence, and determining pointer characteristics. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, reducing device size while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Device complexity
If multiple processors communicate over communication links, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed is limited and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image sensor and signal processing circuitry into a single integrated ASIC for each imaging assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate processors and communication links between them, achieving high processing speed through on-chip integration while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized ASIC design
3Device complexity
If multiple processors communicate over communication links, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the image sensor and signal processing circuitry into a single ASIC, the patent eliminates communication delays between separate processors. All processing operations occur within the same chip, drastically reducing latency while maintaining device complexity at acceptable levels through standardized ASIC architecture
4Ease of manufacture
If off-the-shelf components are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ASIC-based image sensors and signal processing circuitry that are optimized for specific operating parameters, achieving higher power efficiency compared to general-purpose off-the-shelf components. The ASIC design allows customization of processing parameters to match the specific requirements of the interactive input system, reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard ASIC fabrication processes
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive input system comprises at least two imaging assemblies capturing image frames of a region of interest from different vantages, each imaging assembly comprising an image sensor and signal processing circuitry implemented on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), image data acquired by the image sensor being pre-processed by the signal processing circuitry; and processing structure processing pre-processed image data output by the imaging assemblies to determine the location of at least one pointer within the region of interest.