Self-Powering Camera with Photovoltaic Image Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices with limited battery power face rapid battery drainage due to power-intensive camera functionalities, such as image capture and object recognition, which reduces their usability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera assembly with both camera pixels and photovoltaic cells, where the camera pixels capture image data and the photovoltaic cells generate energy from the same light source, allowing the device to concurrently perform image capturing and power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If camera functionality is added to portable devices, then image capture capability is improved, but battery power drains quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing image data through camera pixels and generating electrical energy through photovoltaic cells. This dual-functionality allows the same component to contribute to both the camera capability and power management, directly addressing the contradiction between improved image capture and reduced battery consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic cells enable the camera system to be self-powered by converting light into electrical energy. The system uses its own operational environment (light) to generate the power it needs, reducing reliance on external battery sources and thereby decreasing battery power consumption while maintaining camera functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple high quality cameras are incorporated, then functionality is enhanced, but power intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each camera system incorporates photovoltaic cells alongside camera pixels, enabling every camera module to serve dual purposes: image capture and power generation. This multi-functionality allows enhanced camera functionality while each module contributes to power needs, offsetting the increased power intensity through distributed energy generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines image capture functionality and power generation functionality within the same camera assembly. By merging these previously separate functions into a single integrated system, the device can support multiple high-quality cameras without proportionally increasing net power consumption, as each camera contributes to its own power needs
3Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic cells are integrated into the image sensor, then energy generation is improved, but image sensor area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed with spatially differentiated regions: camera pixels in a first region for image capture and photovoltaic cells in a second region for energy generation. This local quality differentiation allows each part of the sensor to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency, addressing the area trade-off by allocating specific zones for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is segmented into distinct functional regions: one region dedicated to camera pixels for image data capture and another region dedicated to photovoltaic cells for electrical energy generation. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist on the same sensor substrate without interfering with each other, effectively managing the area allocation between image capture and power generation
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 solution enables portable devices to sustain prolonged use by harnessing energy from light sources while capturing images, thereby reducing battery drain and enhancing functionality without compromising image resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a second region having plurality photovoltaic cells... the photovoltaic cells can be configured to capture light from the lens assembly for use in generating energy
Implementation Method 2
a first region having a plurality of camera pixels and a second region having plurality photovoltaic cells... the camera pixels can be configured to capture light from the lens assembly for use in generating image data
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches provide for a computing device that includes, for example, a camera assembly, a lens assembly. The camera assembly can include an image sensor that includes, for example, a first region having camera pixels and a second region having photovoltaic cells. The camera pixels can be configured to capture light from the lens assembly for use in generating image data and the photovoltaic cells can be configured to capture light from the lens assembly for use in generating energy. The lens assembly can include a lens and a plurality of lens elements, where each lens element can be configured to direct a portion of light to a portion of the second region that includes the photovoltaic cells and the lens can be configured to direct a portion of the light to the first region that includes the camera pixels. A power collection component can be configured to process power from light received by the plurality of photovoltaic cells and an image analysis component can be configured to generate image data from light received by the camera pixels.