Selective Pixel Activation for VLC Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual Light Communication (VLC) systems face power consumption issues due to the high energy requirements of image sensors when detecting and decoding light-based signals, particularly in mobile devices used for positioning and communication.
Innovation Solution
A method to selectively activate pixels in a mobile device's light-capture device based on predicted future field-of-view data, using orientation, location, and motion data to determine which pixels will receive light signals, thereby optimizing power usage by deactivating unnecessary pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all pixels of the light-capture device are activated to detect light-based signals, then the detection accuracy and positioning precision are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple groups or regions, activating only specific segments that are likely to receive light signals based on predicted field-of-view. This divides the full pixel array into active and inactive portions, reducing power consumption while maintaining detection capability in the relevant area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different regions of the pixel array have different activation states. Pixels within the predicted field-of-view are activated with high quality (full sensitivity), while pixels outside this region are deactivated or activated at lower quality, creating a non-uniform activation pattern that optimizes power usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If selective pixel activation is implemented to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to pixel prediction and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by predicting the future field-of-view and determining which pixels will be needed before actually activating them. This advance planning allows the system to activate only necessary pixels, reducing power consumption without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using detected light signals and device motion data to continuously update the prediction of which pixels should be activated. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining relatively simple control logic based on the prediction model.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the field-of-view is dynamically predicted and adjusted, then the power consumption is reduced by activating only necessary pixels, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary field-of-view prediction using available motion data and device orientation information before the actual light detection occurs. This advance prediction eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during the detection phase, reducing processing time while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic field-of-view adjustment by updating the active pixel regions based on predicted device motion and orientation changes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to track moving light sources efficiently without requiring exhaustive processing of all pixels, balancing computational load with detection accuracy.
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 reduces power consumption by ensuring only the necessary pixels are active, improving battery life and efficiency in processing light-based communications while maintaining accurate location determination.
Implementation Method 1
the light signals may be received, in some embodiments, by mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) via built-in camera (image) sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, devices, apparatus, computer-/processor-readable media, and other implementations, including a method to process one or more light-based signals that includes determining mobile device data and coarse previous field-of-view (FOV) data representative of pixels of a light-capture device of a mobile device that detected light-based signals from at least one light device located in an area where the mobile device is located, determining, based on the mobile device data and the coarse previous FOV data, predicted one or more pixels of the light-capture device of the mobile device likely to receive light signals from one or more light devices, in the area where the mobile device is located, capable of emitting one or more light-based communications, and activating the predicted one or more pixels of the light-capture device.