Camera Image Processing Circuitry Infrared Data Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras in electronic devices are limited in functionality as they cannot receive data communications through either visible or invisible light, restricting their data transmission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating image processing circuitry in electronic devices with cameras designed to detect visible light, which can identify and route images containing infrared signals with encoded data for decoding, while routing other images to display or storage, enabling the device to convey information or modify operations based on the decoded data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is designed to detect only visible light for traditional image capture, then image quality for photography is maintained, but the device cannot receive infrared data communications
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is modified to perform multiple functions: traditional visible light image capture and infrared data reception. The image sensor detects both visible light photons and infrared photons, allowing a single device to serve dual purposes without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Signal processing circuitry acts as an intermediary between the image sensor and the output systems. This circuitry analyzes the detected signals to determine whether they represent visible light images or infrared data communications, and routes them appropriately to display/storage or data decoding circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera detects infrared signals along with visible light, then infrared data reception is enabled, but image quality may be degraded due to infrared interference
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing circuitry extracts infrared data signals from the mixed detected signals by identifying characteristic infrared signal patterns. Similarly, when capturing visible light images, the system can exclude or filter out infrared signal components that would otherwise degrade image quality, ensuring high-quality photography while maintaining infrared reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the detected signal characteristics. The signal processing circuitry continuously analyzes incoming signals to determine whether they represent infrared data communications or visible light images, and adjusts routing and processing parameters in real-time to optimize performance for the current mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry is added to decode infrared signals, then data communication functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing circuitry that analyzes detected signals is designed to handle both visible light image signals and infrared data signals using the same hardware resources. By merging the signal analysis functions and using shared processing circuits, the system achieves dual functionality without proportionally increasing overall 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
Enables electronic devices to receive and decode infrared data, allowing for enhanced functionality such as displaying information about objects or disabling recording functions, without interfering with traditional image capture and storage processes.
Implementation Method 1
determine whether each image detected by the camera includes an infrared signal with encoded data
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for receiving infrared data with a camera designed to detect images based on visible light are provided. A system can include a camera and image processing circuitry electrically coupled to the camera. The image processing circuitry can determine whether each image detected by the camera includes an infrared signal with encoded data. If the image processing circuitry determines that an image includes an infrared signal with encoded data, the circuitry may route at least a portion of the image (e.g., the infrared signal) to circuitry operative to decode the encoded data. If the image processing circuitry determines that an image does not include an infrared signal with encoded data, the circuitry may route the image to a display or storage. Images routed to the display or storage can then be used as individual pictures or frames in a video because those images do not include any effects of infrared light communications.