Self-Powered Pixels for Optical Sensor Energy Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical mouse devices consume significant power due to the light source, with no mechanism to reuse or feedback optical energy, limiting energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating self-powered pixels in the image sensing array that convert light energy into electrical energy, which is stored and reused to power the optical mouse device, including a light source, to improve energy utilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the intensity of illumination of the light source is lowered to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the optical energy available for feedback is also reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the light source illuminates the surface, the image sensor captures reflected light, and the generated electrical energy is fed back to power the light source. This closed-loop feedback system allows the device to efficiently utilize the optical energy it generates, resolving the contradiction between reducing power consumption and maintaining sufficient optical energy for feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical mouse device powers itself by converting the optical energy from the light source into electrical energy through the image sensor, which then supplies power back to the light source and other components. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources and reduces overall power consumption while maintaining sufficient optical energy output.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the data retrieving speed of the image sensor is reduced to lower power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity and energy utilization efficiency are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control where the image sensor continuously monitors the optical energy generated and adjusts its data retrieving speed accordingly. This dynamic feedback mechanism optimizes power consumption by matching the data retrieval rate to the available optical energy, avoiding the need for complex manual energy management while maintaining efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor operates with dynamic data retrieving speed that can be adjusted based on real-time energy conditions. This dynamic operation allows the system to optimize power consumption by varying the retrieval speed according to the available optical energy, rather than operating at a fixed speed, thereby reducing overall power consumption without excessive complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional power reduction methods are used, then power consumption is reduced, but energy utilization efficiency cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where optical energy from the light source is converted to electrical energy by the image sensor and fed back to power the system. This feedback mechanism ensures that energy is not wasted but continuously recycled, improving energy utilization efficiency while reducing overall power consumption compared to conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the optical energy generated by the light source, the patent recovers this energy by converting it to electrical energy through the image sensor. This recovery process prevents energy waste and improves overall energy utilization efficiency, as the same optical energy is reused to power the device rather than being lost.
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 overall power consumption by utilizing optical energy to operate the device, enabling more efficient energy use and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the self-powered pixels is configured to output photocurrent for being reused
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes an image sensing array, a frame buffer, a first read line, a second read line and an energy accumulator. The image sensing array is configured to sense reflected light from a working surface and includes a plurality of sensing pixels and a plurality of self-powered pixels. The sensing pixels respectively output image data according to the sensed reflected light. The self-powered pixels respectively output photocurrent according to the sensed reflected light. The first read line is coupled between the sensing pixels and the frame buffer. The second read line is coupled between the self-powered pixels and the frame buffer. The energy accumulator stores electrical energy of the photocurrent via a charge path between the self-powered pixels and the energy accumulator.