Dual Light Source Camera for Iris Recognition and Eye Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cameras in devices often have limited functionality, restricting their use for multiple purposes, which is undesirable in the context of increasingly complex devices.

Innovation Solution

A device equipped with a processor, two light sources, and a camera, where the first light source is positioned closer to the camera for iris recognition and the second light source, positioned further away, is used for eye tracking, allowing for distinct functions to be executed without the red eye effect interfering with iris image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single light source is used for both iris recognition and eye tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to red eye effect interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera system complexityVSAvoidiris image quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single light source function into two separate light sources: a first light source positioned closer to the camera for iris recognition, and a second light source positioned farther away for eye tracking. This segmentation eliminates the red eye effect interference in iris images while maintaining distinct functional optimization for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning light sources at different distances from the camera based on their specific functional requirements. The first light source is placed at a distance optimized for iris recognition to avoid red eye effect, while the second light source is positioned for optimal eye tracking performance, allowing each part of the system to have the quality needed for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the light source is positioned closer to the camera for iris recognition, then iris image quality improves, but eye tracking performance deteriorates due to insufficient light distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiris recognition accuracyVSAvoideye tracking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lighting function into two separate light sources with different positions: the first light source is positioned closer to the camera to optimize iris recognition by avoiding red eye effect, while the second light source is positioned farther away to optimize eye tracking performance, thereby resolving the conflict between the two functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping the camera system with two light sources that can be selectively activated depending on the desired function. The system can perform both iris recognition and eye tracking using the same camera module, with each light source optimized for its specific function, making the system versatile without requiring separate hardware systems.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the light source is positioned farther from the camera for eye tracking, then eye tracking performance improves, but iris recognition quality deteriorates due to red eye effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeye tracking performanceVSAvoidiris image quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the illumination system into two distinct light sources: one positioned closer to the camera for iris recognition and another positioned farther away for eye tracking. This segmentation allows each function to have its own optimized light source position, preventing the red eye effect from degrading iris image quality while maintaining effective eye tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning each light source at an optimal distance for its specific function. The first light source is placed at a distance that prevents red eye effect for iris recognition, while the second light source is positioned at a different distance optimized for eye tracking, allowing each local component to have the quality characteristics needed for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 multi-functional capabilities by effectively performing iris recognition and eye tracking without compromising image quality, enhancing the device's usability and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

controlling a first light source disposed on a device at a first location to generate light, generating at least a first image at a camera disposed on the device based at least in part on at least some of the light from the first light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and reflection: Light

Implementation Method 2

controlling a second light source disposed on the device at a second location different from the first location to generate light, generating at least a second image at the camera based on at least some of the light from the second light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and reflection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10621431B2Camera that uses light from plural light sources disposed on a device
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US10621431B2 patent drawing
  • US10621431B2 patent drawing
  • US10621431B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one aspect, a device includes a processor, a first light source accessible to the processor, a second light source different from the first light source that is accessible to the processor, a camera accessible to the processor, and storage accessible to the processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the processor to actuate the first light source to execute a first function using the camera and actuate the second light source to execute a second function different from the first function using the camera.