Synchronized Radiation Source Array for Low-Power Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Object-sensing display devices face high power consumption due to the continuous operation of radiation sources, which is both impractical and environmentally undesirable.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dividing radiation sources into groups and activating them sequentially, synchronizing with scan lines to detect object presence, reducing unnecessary power usage while maintaining high detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radiation sources are continuously activated to ensure accurate object detection, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by activating radiation sources in alternating periods: during first periods, radiation sources are activated to provide radiation for object detection; during second periods, radiation sources are deactivated to reduce power consumption. The sensing circuits continue to operate during both periods, detecting radiation from objects during first periods and maintaining detection capability during second periods. This periodic activation pattern resolves the contradiction by ensuring detection reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during non-critical periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the operation into distinct time periods with different functionality: first periods dedicated to active radiation provision and detection, and second periods dedicated to power savings. This temporal segmentation allows the system to alternate between high-reliability detection mode and low-power mode, resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection accuracy and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If all radiation sources are activated simultaneously to cover the entire sensing circuit, then detection coverage is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by dividing operation into first periods where radiation sources are activated to provide comprehensive coverage for object detection, and second periods where radiation sources are deactivated to eliminate energy waste. This periodic on-off pattern ensures full detection coverage when needed while preventing energy loss during periods when detection can be maintained with less active radiation sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by activating radiation sources only during first periods rather than continuously. During second periods, the system operates with reduced or no radiation activation, relying on the sensing circuits to maintain detection capability. This partial activation strategy provides sufficient detection coverage during critical periods while significantly reducing energy loss during non-critical periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 significantly reduces power consumption while ensuring accurate object detection, as only the necessary radiation sources are activated when an object is sensed, minimizing waste and extending device usage without sacrificing performance.

Implementation Method 1

providing first signals to a sensing circuit that detects a presence of an object by sensing radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation sensing: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2333644B1Energy-efficient display apparatus with object-sensing capability
Publication Date: 2014.12.10 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP2333644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2333644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2333644B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device capable of accurately sensing object presence at lower power consumption is presented, as well as a method of driving the display device. The display device includes a sensing circuit that detects the presence of an object by sensing radiation, and a radiation source array that provides radiation to the sensing circuit. First signals are provided to the scan lines of the sensing circuit, sequentially activating the sensors during a frame period. Second signals are provided to a radiation source array to selectively activate different portions of the radiation source array. The first and second signals are synchronized in their timing such that the portion of the radiation source array that supplies radiation to the activated sensors are turned on.