Asynchronous Vision Sensor Layout for Low-Power Water Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement devices for phytoplankton face high power consumption due to the need for a distance between the illumination unit and the light-receiving element to avoid direct excitation light interference, necessitating increased output and energy use.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device with a vision sensor that acquires pixel data asynchronously and includes an imaging control unit to capture images, allowing for a closer arrangement of the illumination unit and vision sensor, reducing the distance between them and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light-receiving element is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of excitation light to avoid direct interference, then measurement precision is improved, but the distance between the illumination unit and light-receiving range must be increased, leading to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light-receiving function into multiple elements: a light-receiving element for detecting fluorescence and a vision sensor for capturing images. This segmentation allows the vision sensor to be positioned closer to the illumination unit without being affected by direct excitation light, as it captures spatial information rather than measuring light intensity directly. The fluorescence measurement and imaging functions are separated but coordinated through control units, enabling both high measurement precision and reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-receiving range as an intermediary space between the illumination unit and the light-receiving element. This intermediate region allows excitation light to be emitted and fluorescence to be generated without the light-receiving element being directly exposed to intense excitation light. The vision sensor captures images of this intermediate region, enabling the system to maintain both measurement accuracy and energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the distance between the illumination unit and light-receiving range is increased to improve excitation light output, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into two independent but coordinated components: a light-receiving element for fluorescence detection and a vision sensor for imaging. This segmentation allows the vision sensor to be positioned close to the illumination unit for efficient light delivery, while the light-receiving element is positioned to receive only fluorescence from the light-receiving range. The control unit coordinates these components, simplifying the overall device structure compared to traditional single-receiver designs that require complex optical path management.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision sensor serves multiple functions: it captures images of the light-receiving range, monitors the distribution of excitation light, and provides spatial context for fluorescence measurements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for imaging and measurement, reducing device complexity while maintaining high excitation light output and measurement precision.
3Productivity
If the vision sensor captures images asynchronously in accordance with light incident on each pixel, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to asynchronous processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vision sensor operates in an event-driven asynchronous mode where each pixel independently detects light incidents and generates image data only when changes occur. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous frame capture and processing, significantly improving productivity by reducing redundant data generation. The asynchronous nature of pixel operations simplifies the processing burden compared to synchronous frame-based systems, as data is generated only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision sensor employs periodic scanning of the light-receiving range at optimized intervals rather than continuous capturing. This periodic action reduces the total amount of data processed while maintaining measurement accuracy, as the asynchronous pixel operation naturally adapts to changes in the observed scene. The control unit coordinates periodic imaging with the illumination and fluorescence detection cycles, improving overall system productivity without requiring complex real-time processing.
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
The solution enables efficient and power-efficient measurement of target objects in water by quickly detecting movements and reducing power consumption while maintaining accurate imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a vision sensor that is arranged facing an illumination surface of an illumination unit emitting light, and acquires pixel data asynchronously in accordance with the amount of light incident on each of a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally
Implementation Method 2
an illumination unit emitting light
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement device includes: a vision sensor that is arranged facing an illumination surface of an illumination unit emitting light, and acquires pixel data asynchronously in accordance with the amount of light incident on each of a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally; an imaging control unit that causes the vision sensor to capture an image; and a measurement unit that measures information related to a target object on the basis of the image captured by the imaging unit.