Camera Device With Dynamic Illumination for 3D Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D reconstruction algorithms are affected by artifacts caused by continuously casting auxiliary light in the same space, leading to errors in depth information.

Innovation Solution

A camera apparatus with a light source, lens module, and actuator that dynamically moves the light source or lens module to change the output light direction, reducing artifacts by ensuring the light source is not fixed in the same volume in successive frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If auxiliary light is continuously cast onto a surface in the same space under the same conditions, then depth information can be obtained, but artifacts are generated that affect the final 3D volume quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information qualityVSAvoidartifacts in 3D volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light source movable through an actuator mechanism. The light source is dynamically repositioned to different locations within the measurement space, allowing depth information to be collected from multiple angles and positions. This dynamic movement prevents artifacts from appearing in the same location across successive depth frames, thereby improving 3D volume quality while maintaining depth measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the light source is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but artifacts continuously appear in the same 3D volume location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidartifacts in 3D volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static light source into a dynamic one by introducing an actuator. This allows the light source to move to different positions and angles, preventing repetitive artifact patterns in the 3D volume while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the light source is moved to different positions, then artifacts are reduced in the final 3D volume, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveartifacts in 3D volumeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically movable light source using an actuator mechanism that can reposition the light source to different locations. This dynamic configuration allows the system to capture depth information from multiple angles, preventing artifacts from appearing in the same 3D volume location across successive frames, thereby improving overall 3D reconstruction quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the light source for artifact reduction, enables multi-angle depth measurement, and allows flexible configuration for different measurement scenarios. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single mechanical subsystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables the creation of high-quality 3D volumes by eliminating artifacts from the final 3D reconstruction results, enhancing the accuracy of depth information.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator includes a coil attached to the frame and a magnet spaced apart from the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the actuator includes a liquid lens disposed on or above the plurality of lenses. The actuator may change the output direction of light from the light source by varying the curvature of the liquid lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid lens curvature variation: Lens

Implementation Method 3

an image sensor configured to convert external light into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4164219B1Camera device and electronic device having same
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4164219B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4164219B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4164219B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A camera apparatus and an electronic device including the same are disclosed. The camera apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a light source; a lens module configured to output light from the light source to the outside; an actuator configured to move the light source or the lens module; and an image sensor configured to convert external light into an electrical signal. Accordingly, it is possible to implement a high-quality 3D volume by dynamically moving output light.