Pixel Array Motion Detection via Non-Concurrent Light Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices require significant power to detect movement, often necessitating multiple frame integration and the use of modulated light sources, which consumes energy and reduces frame rate.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a pixel array that allows a first and second pixel to integrate light non-concurrently, with their outputs compared to detect motion or edges, eliminating the need for an additional modulated light source and enabling motion detection within a single frame without taxing the frame rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple frame integration is used to detect movement, then motion detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases and frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into first pixels and second pixels that operate in different time slots within a single frame period. First pixels integrate light during a first time slot while second pixels remain inactive, then second pixels integrate light during a second time slot while first pixels remain inactive. This temporal segmentation allows motion detection through comparison of outputs from different pixels without requiring multiple frame integrations, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining motion detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If modulated light source is used to illuminate object, then motion detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate modulated light source from the imaging device. Instead of using an additional light source to illuminate the object for motion detection, the system uses the existing pixel array to detect motion by comparing outputs from first pixels and second pixels that integrate light at different time slots. This removes the complexity and power consumption associated with additional light sources while maintaining motion detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array performs motion detection using its own structure and capabilities without requiring external illumination assistance. By having different pixels integrate light at different time slots and comparing their outputs, the system uses itself to detect motion, eliminating the need for separate modulated light sources and reducing overall 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 power consumption by eliminating the need for an additional light source and allows for motion detection without compromising frame rate, providing efficient and effective motion detection in imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
The arrays have pixels that generate electric charges, such as electrons, when they are exposed to light from an object
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device has an array with pixels that can image an aspect of an object. In addition, pixels in the array can be used to perform motion detection or edge detection. A first and a second pixel can integrate light non-concurrently, and then their outputs may be compared. A difference in their outputs may indicate an edge in an imaging operation, and motion in a motion detection operation. The motion detection operation may be performed without needing the imaging device to have an additional modulated LED light source, and to spend the power to drive that source.