Stylus Event Sensor for Fast Motion Tracking and Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frame-based sensors are inadequate for motion tracking and image capturing in small form factor devices like stylus devices due to slow frame rates and power inefficiency, while optical flow sensors are incapable of producing useful image data.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an event sensor to track changes in light intensity and capture images, enabling a stylus device to perform both motion tracking and image capturing operations efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional frame-based sensors are used for motion tracking and image capturing, then device structure is simple, but frame rate is slow and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static frame-based sensing to dynamic event-driven sensing. The event sensor continuously monitors light intensity changes and generates events only when changes exceed a threshold, enabling high-speed motion tracking while consuming power only during actual changes rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from fixed frame rates to variable event-triggered sampling. By monitoring light intensity changes and generating events based on threshold exceedance, the system adapts its sampling rate dynamically, achieving high frame rates for fast motion while reducing power consumption during static scenes
2Quantity of substance
If conventional frame-based sensors are used, then device structure is simple, but data storage requirements increase due to continuous frame capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for motion tracking by detecting light intensity changes exceeding a threshold. Instead of capturing and storing complete frames, the event sensor extracts and transmits only the relevant change events, dramatically reducing data storage requirements while maintaining motion tracking productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by capturing only the necessary portion of visual information - specifically, only the changes in light intensity that indicate motion. This selective capture approach reduces data volume while sufficient for motion tracking purposes
3Measurement precision
If optical flow sensors are used for motion tracking, then frame rate can be high, but image data quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor that performs both motion tracking and image capturing functions. The event sensor can operate in motion tracking mode by detecting light intensity changes and in image capturing mode by recording events that reconstruct visual scenes, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function
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
Enables a stylus device to track fast motions and capture images using a single sensor, improving performance and reducing power consumption and storage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an event sensor configured to capture changes in light intensity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for motion tracking and image capture using a stylus device are described. Example embodiments involve a stylus device outputting/emitting light on a surface and receiving backscattered light at an event sensor of the stylus device. The event sensor may generate event data based in part on intensity of the received backscattered light. The stylus device may perform a motion tracking and/or image capture operation based on the event data.