Adaptive Light Source Module with Prismatic Illumination Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source modules for cameras lack adaptability in illumination, particularly in multi-camera systems, where different scene conditions and camera fields of view require varying levels of illumination, leading to suboptimal image capture in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of adaptive light source modules with an array of emitters, a housing, and a lens system that allows for controlled light emission and distribution, using a prismatic surface to fill gaps between emitters and adjust illumination based on the target field of view and scene conditions, enabling flexible and uniform illumination across different camera fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional light source module uses a single illumination pattern, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different scene conditions and camera fields of view in multi-camera systems
Solution Approach 1:
The light source module divides the illumination function into multiple independent emitter arrays, each capable of producing different illumination patterns. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate emitter arrays for different scene conditions and camera fields of view, achieving adaptability without requiring a completely different structure for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific emitter arrays based on real-time scene conditions and camera field of view requirements. This dynamic control mechanism enables the light source module to adapt its illumination pattern flexibly, transitioning between different configurations as needed for optimal performance across varying conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light source module provides uniform illumination across the entire scene, then all areas are illuminated, but the illumination intensity cannot be optimized for specific regions or camera fields of view
Solution Approach 1:
Different emitter arrays are designed with distinct illumination characteristics optimized for specific regions or camera fields of view. This local quality approach ensures that each emitter array provides tailored illumination for its intended application, whether that is a wide field of view, a narrow field of view, or a specific angular range, rather than using a single uniform illumination pattern for all scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple emitter arrays are used to provide different illumination patterns, then adaptability to different scenes is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple emitter arrays are integrated into a single unified light source module structure, sharing common support elements, control circuitry, and housing. This merging approach allows the system to provide multiple illumination patterns and adapt to different scene conditions while avoiding the need for separate physical modules for each emitter array, thereby controlling the overall size and complexity of the assembly.
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 adaptive light source modules provide improved image capture in low-light conditions by dynamically adjusting illumination to match the target field of view, ensuring optimal brightness and uniformity across multiple camera fields, enhancing the imaging capabilities of multi-camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent window comprises a prismatic surface having a plurality of concentric prisms positioned around a center point
Implementation Method 2
a lens, wherein the lens is positioned between the transparent window and the emitter array and comprises an imaging region positioned over the emitter array
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein include adaptive light source modules that can provide adaptive illumination to a scene. The adaptive light source modules may comprise a housing, an emitter array, and a lens. The emitter array comprises a plurality of emitters. The lens may redirect light emitted from the emitter array through a transparent window of the housing. The housing may further include a prismatic surface that distorts light emitted from the emitter array and/or one or more non-transparent portions that limits light travelling therethrough. The adaptive light source module may optionally comprise a light sensor, and a portion of the lens may be configured to direct light toward the light sensor.