Camera Module Watchdog Control for Laser Eye Exposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The rapid development of face recognition technologies and structured light in consumer electronics poses a risk to human eyes due to harmful laser light emitted during face unlocking and face payment processes, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to prevent prolonged exposure to laser light.

Innovation Solution

A control system for electronic devices that includes a first processing unit and a target processing unit, which monitor the operation of camera components like laser projectors and infrared cameras. If the target processing unit fails to write data within a preset time interval, the system resets or reboots the camera component to prevent prolonged laser emission, ensuring the safety of human eyes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If laser light is emitted for face recognition, then face unlocking and face payment functions are enabled, but human eyes are exposed to harmful laser light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveface recognition functionVSAvoidlaser light exposure to eyes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses structured light projection with periodic modulation patterns (multiple frames of different patterns) instead of continuous laser emission. The laser projector emits light in controlled periodic cycles with specific duty cycles, reducing continuous exposure while maintaining face recognition functionality through temporal sampling of reflected patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism (processor controlling laser duty cycle and projection timing) between the face recognition system and laser emitter. This intermediary manages the laser emission parameters dynamically, ensuring functional operation while limiting harmful exposure through controlled intermediate states of laser activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If laser projector operates continuously for face recognition, then recognition accuracy is maintained, but risk of eye damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveface recognition accuracyVSAvoidprolonged laser exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system projects multiple frames of structured light patterns in periodic succession rather than continuous emission. Each frame uses different spatial patterns, and the periodic modulation allows accurate face mapping through temporal sampling while reducing cumulative laser exposure duration, maintaining recognition precision with reduced harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous face recognition capability through rapid sequential projection of multiple structured light frames. The useful action (face mapping) continues without interruption in terms of functional output, while the actual laser emission is pulsed periodically, creating continuity of service with discontinuity of harmful exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If monitoring system checks processing unit operation, then laser projector safety is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser safety controlVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control where the processor continuously monitors the operational status of the target processing unit controlling the laser projector. Based on this feedback (whether the processing unit is responding within expected time intervals), the system automatically adjusts laser emission or triggers safety protocols, improving reliability through closed-loop monitoring without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3657774B1Control system, control method and control device for camera module, electronic device and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3657774B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657774B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3657774B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system (30) for controlling a camera component (80), a camera component (80) is applicable for an electronic device (100), and the system (30) comprises a first processing unit (302) and a target processing unit (301). The target processing unit (301) is configured to control the camera component (80). The first processing unit (302) is configured to determine whether the target processing unit (301) writes data to the first processing unit (302) in accordance with a preset time interval, and when the target processing unit (302) does not write data to the first processing unit (32) over the preset time interval, change an operating state of the camera component (80) and/or control the electronic device (100) to restart.