Camera Status Indicator with Synchronized Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with cameras face challenges in indicating whether the camera is active or inactive, leading to potential issues during operation, such as light reflections in captured images.
Innovation Solution
A camera status indicator using multiple light-emitting devices, synchronized with camera operation to emit light only when the camera is insensitive, and incorporating light diffusers and polarizers to minimize reflections, along with image processing to address any remaining issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera status indicator is added to indicate when the camera is active, then the visibility of camera status is improved, but light reflections in captured images occur
Solution Approach 1:
The status indicator operates periodically by synchronizing its light emission with the camera's shutter cycles. The indicator emits light only during periods when the camera shutter is closed and the sensor is insensitive to light, thereby maintaining visibility function while eliminating harmful reflections in captured images
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by pre-coordinating the status indicator's operation with the camera's shutter timing. The indicator is configured to emit light in advance knowledge of when the shutter will be closed, ensuring status visibility is maintained without creating reflections during active capture periods
2Illumination intensity
If the status indicator emits light continuously to maintain visibility, then the camera status is always visible, but reflections occur in captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous light emission is replaced with periodic pulsed emission synchronized to the camera's shutter cycle. The indicator emits light only during intervals when the shutter is closed, maintaining adequate visibility through repeated illumination while eliminating reflections during active capture
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous full illumination, the system uses partial action by emitting light only during specific time windows when the shutter is closed. This provides sufficient visibility for status indication while avoiding the excessive light emission that would cause reflections during capture
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
Effectively communicates camera status to users and prevents light reflections in captured images by controlled light emission and processing, enhancing operational clarity and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The camera status indicator may have multiple light-emitting devices such as light-emitting diodes or lasers
Implementation Method 2
A coating of clear polymer containing light-scattering particles may form a light diffuser coating layer on an outer surface of the clear encapsulant
Implementation Method 3
Polarizers and other arrangements may also be used to block reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a camera. The camera may capture still and moving images. A camera status indicator may be included in the electronic device. The camera status indicator may emit light to indicate when the camera is in use capturing video or other images. The camera status indicator may have multiple light-emitting devices such as light-emitting diodes or lasers. The light-emitting devices may have different colors. Clear encapsulant may cover the light-emitting devices. A white polymer wall or other light recycling structure may run along an outer peripheral edge of the encapsulant. A light diffusing coating layer may coat an outer surface of the clear encapsulant. Light reflections from the status indicator may be reduced in captured images.