Adjustable Collimator Lighting Module for Camera Subject Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting modules in small devices, such as smartphones, emit static collimated light beams that can flood the camera field of view, leading to image noise by illuminating both the subject and background, hindering subject distinction in images captured in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjustable lighting module that includes a light source, a collimator, and a collimator actuator, controlled by a processor to selectively direct a collimated light beam to a specific region of the camera field of view, based on subject identification or user input, allowing for precise illumination of the subject while minimizing illumination of other areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a static collimated light beam is used to illuminate the scene, then the subject is illuminated, but the background is also illuminated causing image noise and hindering subject distinction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the illumination non-uniform and targeted. The collimator is adjusted to direct light specifically at the subject region while leaving the background unilluminated. This creates different illumination qualities in different spatial locations - bright at the subject, dark at the background - thereby improving subject distinction and reducing image noise from background illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the collimator adjustable rather than fixed. The collimator can be dynamically repositioned along the optical axis to change the beam divergence and illumination pattern. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt the illumination to match the subject's position and size, ensuring precise subject illumination while minimizing background light and image noise.
2Illumination intensity
If a static collimated light beam floods the camera field of view, then all areas are illuminated, but subject distinction is hindered due to background illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses local quality to create spatially selective illumination. By adjusting the collimator position, the light beam is concentrated on the subject area with high intensity while the background remains in darkness. This local differentiation of illumination quality enables precise subject distinction by creating a high contrast between the illuminated subject and the dark background.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the collimator allows the system to adapt the illumination pattern to the specific subject configuration. The collimator can be repositioned to change the beam's divergence angle and focal characteristics, dynamically optimizing the illumination to highlight the subject while keeping the background dark, thereby improving subject distinction precision.
3Measurement precision
If the collimator is made adjustable to control the illuminated region, then subject illumination precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing an adjustable collimator mechanism that can be repositioned along the optical axis. This dynamic element enables precise control over the light beam's divergence and the illuminated region's size and position. The adjustment mechanism, while adding some complexity, provides a straightforward mechanical solution to achieve precise illumination control without requiring complex optical systems or multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable collimator serves multiple functions: it controls beam divergence, adjusts the illuminated region size, and positions the illumination pattern. This single adjustable component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate optical elements or complex control systems, thereby achieving high illumination control precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 improved image quality by selectively illuminating the subject, reducing noise and enhancing subject distinction in images, and can be adjusted dynamically based on subject movement or user commands.
Implementation Method 1
The collimator can include a reflective device including a parabolic mirror
Implementation Method 2
a refractive device including an optical lens
Implementation Method 3
An optical lens device can include a Fresnel lens device
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting module which provides adjustably controllable illumination of a camera field of view of a camera module includes an adjustable collimator which can be adjustably positioned such that the emitted light beam is adjustably directed to illuminate various regions of various camera fields of view. The collimator can be adjusted via an actuator which adjustably positions the collimator relative to static components of the lighting module, including the light emitter. The light beam can be directed to illuminate a selected limited region of a camera field of view, based on identification of a subject within the limited region. The light beam can be adjustably directed based on user interactions with a user interface, including adjusting the light beam according to user-commanded beam angle, intensity, and direction. The light beam can be adjustably directed to illuminate a region according to different fields of view of different camera modules.