Dynamic IR Emitter Control for xR Gesture Recognition Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power management systems for gesture recognition in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications face challenges in efficiently managing illumination levels for infrared emitters, leading to increased power consumption and potential battery drain in untethered Head-Mounted Devices (HMDs).
Innovation Solution
An Information Handling System (IHS) that includes a processor and memory, which receives frames from a camera-equipped HMD, identifies gesture states, and dynamically controls the illumination of infrared emitters based on calibration data to optimize power usage by adjusting the brightness and current levels of each emitter according to specific gesture phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared emitters are used for gesture recognition in HMDs, then gesture recognition capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination level of infrared emitters adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the illumination level based on gesture recognition needs - using higher illumination when gestures are detected and lower illumination during idle periods, thereby optimizing the balance between gesture recognition capability and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter of the infrared emitters based on system state. By modifying the illumination level parameter dynamically - increasing it when gesture recognition is active and decreasing it during idle phases - the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining recognition capability and reducing energy consumption
2Measurement precision
If illumination level of infrared emitters is increased, then gesture recognition accuracy is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling the illumination level of infrared emitters between high and low states based on system activity. During idle phases, the system uses low illumination to conserve battery life, and switches to high illumination only when gesture recognition is needed, creating a periodic pattern that balances accuracy and battery duration
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the illumination level dynamic rather than static, adjusting it in real-time based on whether gesture recognition is active. This dynamic adjustment ensures high accuracy when needed while extending battery life during idle periods, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and duration of action
3Area of stationary object
If all infrared emitters operate at maximum illumination, then gesture detection coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the infrared emitter array into multiple individually controllable emitters. Instead of operating all emitters at maximum illumination simultaneously, the system activates only the necessary portion of the array based on gesture detection needs, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different illumination levels to different emitters based on local needs. Some emitters may operate at high illumination while others operate at low or zero illumination, creating a non-uniform illumination pattern that reduces total power consumption while maintaining sufficient gesture detection coverage in active areas
Data Source
AI summary
Power management systems and methods for gesture recognition in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (xR) applications is described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the IHS to: receive frames captured by a camera of a Head-Mounted Device (HMD) worn by a user in an xR application, wherein the HMD is coupled to a plurality of infrared (IR) emitters; identify a state of a gesture sequence being performed by the user based upon the frames; and select a level of illumination provided by the plurality of IR emitters in response to the state.