Sensor Module Collar for Always-On Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution cameras on user devices consume significant power, leading to rapid battery drain when always on for facial or object detection, which is necessary for enhanced user experience but requires additional display area and interaction.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module with a low-resolution, low-power sensor embedded in a collar that aligns with the camera module's aperture, allowing for always-on detection without increasing the display area consumption, using the same opening as the camera module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-resolution camera is always on for facial or object detection, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly causing rapid battery drain
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function into two parts: a low-resolution sensor for continuous always-on detection and a high-resolution camera for on-demand high-quality imaging. The low-resolution sensor operates continuously with minimal power consumption to detect basic presence and motion, while the high-resolution camera is activated only when needed for detailed capture, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous detection capability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a low-resolution sensor that can be considered a 'disposable' or low-cost detection mechanism for continuous monitoring. This sensor sacrifices resolution for the ability to operate continuously at minimal power cost, effectively replacing the need for the high-resolution camera to run continuously. The high-resolution camera acts as a supplemental component activated only when the low-resolution sensor detects conditions requiring detailed imaging.
2Reliability
If a separate sensor module is added for always-on detection, then detection functionality is improved, but display area consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the always-on detection sensor with the camera module housing, integrating both functions into a single structural unit. The low-resolution sensor is positioned within or adjacent to the camera module, sharing the same spatial footprint and mounting structure. This integration allows the device to gain always-on detection capability without requiring a separate, additional opening in the display, thus avoiding increased display area consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the high-resolution camera for detailed imaging and simultaneously accommodates the low-resolution always-on detection sensor. This multi-functional design allows a single structural component to provide both high-quality capture and continuous detection capabilities, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor space that would increase display area requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a sensor module. In some aspects, a sensor module may include a collar configured to be attached to a camera module for a user device. The collar may include a first opening that is configured to align with an aperture of a camera of the camera module, and a second opening. The sensor module may include a sensor embedded in the collar. The sensor may be aligned with the second opening of the collar. Numerous other aspects are provided.