Camera Field of View Visualizer Using Differential Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for individuals and subjects within a camera's field of view to determine whether they are within the focal plane, leading to uncertainties and inefficiencies in photography, videography, and security applications, as existing methods rely on viewfinders or external guidance, which are not convenient or reliable for real-time awareness.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that differentially illuminates objects and surfaces within and outside the camera's focal area using distinct types and amounts of illumination, allowing subjects to visually identify their inclusion or exclusion from the camera's field of view, thereby enabling real-time adjustments without relying on viewfinder information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If differential illumination is applied to objects within and outside the focal area, then visual feedback for field of view identification is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional illumination systems
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations around the camera. Each light source illuminates a specific zone (within or outside the focal area), allowing the system to provide differential illumination without requiring a single complex illumination system. This segmentation enables selective activation of illumination zones based on the desired visual feedback effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives image data from the camera, determines which objects are within the focal area, and controls the illumination sources accordingly. This intermediary layer mediates between the camera's optical system and the illumination system, enabling automated differential illumination without direct human intervention and reducing the operational complexity of the overall system.
2Loss of information
If illumination is provided during image acquisition, then visual feedback is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to visible illumination artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination sources are activated periodically in synchronization with the camera's image acquisition cycles. During the exposure period when the image sensor is capturing data, the illumination is turned off or significantly reduced to prevent visible artifacts in the final image. Between exposures, the illumination is activated to provide visual feedback to subjects about their position relative to the focal area. This periodic timing resolves the contradiction by separating the illumination function into distinct phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed to be dynamic, with illumination intensity and activation state changing in real-time based on the camera's operational state. The system transitions between different illumination modes (on/off, high/low intensity) depending on whether the camera is actively acquiring images or is in setup mode, allowing optimal performance for both image quality and visual feedback without compromise.
3Ease of operation
If real-time visual feedback is provided to subjects, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time for image acquisition increases due to illumination time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rapid periodic cycles of illumination and image acquisition, where the illumination is activated for brief intervals to provide visual feedback, then quickly deactivated for image capture. The cycling frequency is optimized so that multiple feedback cycles can occur during the setup phase without significantly delaying the actual image acquisition. This allows subjects to receive sufficient visual feedback to understand positioning requirements while minimizing the total time lost to illumination periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential illumination system provides visual feedback during the preliminary setup phase before formal image acquisition begins. Subjects use this feedback to adjust their positioning and understand the focal area boundaries in advance. Once positioning is confirmed, the illumination is minimized or eliminated during the actual image capture phase. This preliminary action approach allows thorough visual feedback without compromising the efficiency of the critical image acquisition process.
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 provides immediate visual feedback to subjects, allowing them to adjust their positioning accurately and efficiently, enhancing the quality of captured images and ensuring proper coverage in photography, videography, and security settings by clearly demarcating the camera's focal area within a larger scene.
Implementation Method 1
A camera system includes a plurality of light sources configured to illuminate at least a portion of a scene in which a camera is positioned
Data Source
AI summary
Camera field of view visualizers differentially illuminate objects visible within and without a camera lens focal area, and also supporting surfaces located outside of but relative to the focal area wherein objects located thereon are visible within the focal area, relative to different supporting surfaces that are also located outside of the focal area but relative to the focal area wherein objects located thereon are not visible within the focal area. At an end of an illumination time period an amount or type of illumination that is visible within image information acquired from objects illuminated thereby within the focal area is reduced or revised for an image data acquisition time period so that it is not visible within image information acquired by an image data receiving means, and image information is captured via the image data receiving means from objects that are located within the focal area.