Methods and systems are described for operating an imaging sensor, the imaging sensor including a multi-dimensional sensor. An electronic processor receives an output from the multi-dimensional sensor and transitions the imaging sensor from the low-power state into a ready state in response to a determination by the electronic processor, based on the output from the multi-dimensional sensor, that a first state transition criteria is satisfied and transitions the imaging sensor from the ready state into an armed state in response to a determination that a second state transition criteria is satisfied. In some implementations, the electronic processor operates the imaging sensor to capture image data only when operating in the armed state and prevents the imaging system from transitioning from the low-power state directly into the armed state.