Dynamic Illumination Control for Imaging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems face challenges with bright ambient light causing washed-out images, increased power consumption, heat generation, and eye safety issues due to constant high illumination levels, especially when using non-visible light for object detection.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic illumination system that adjusts the level of direct illumination based on detected ambient or display illumination levels, using a light source controller and image sensors to alter the light output, and a bandpass filter to ensure non-visible light is used effectively while minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a constant bright level of direct illumination is used to overcome bright ambient light, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination level is made dynamic rather than constant. The system continuously monitors ambient light levels and automatically adjusts the direct illumination intensity to match actual needs, ensuring adequate image quality while minimizing power consumption when ambient light is sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the imaging system monitors ambient illumination levels and uses this information to automatically adjust the direct illumination output. This closed-loop control ensures optimal illumination is provided only when necessary, resolving the contradiction between image quality and power consumption.
2Illumination intensity
If a constant bright level of direct illumination is used to overcome bright ambient light, then image quality is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts its output based on ambient conditions. When ambient light is already bright, the system reduces or eliminates direct illumination, thereby significantly reducing heat generation from the light source while maintaining adequate image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system turns the presence of bright ambient light from a problem into a benefit. Instead of always fighting against ambient light with constant illumination, the system uses ambient light when available and only activates direct illumination when necessary, converting the ambient light condition into a heat-reducing advantage.
3Illumination intensity
If a constant bright level of direct illumination is used to overcome bright ambient light, then image quality is improved, but light source life expectancy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates dynamically rather than continuously at full brightness. By adjusting illumination levels based on ambient light conditions, the system reduces overall operating hours and intensity, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the light source while maintaining image quality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the light source based on environmental conditions. Instead of maintaining a constant high intensity, the illumination level is varied according to ambient light levels, reducing stress on the light source and extending its life expectancy.
4Measurement precision
If non-visible light is used to detect objects on the interactive display surface, then detection capability is improved, but eye safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intensity of non-visible light is made dynamic rather than constant. The system adjusts the illumination level based on ambient conditions and only uses high levels when absolutely necessary for detection, thereby maintaining detection capability while minimizing exposure and reducing eye safety concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses non-visible light at partial levels rather than maximum intensity continuously. By applying just enough illumination to achieve detection and using visible light or ambient light when sufficient, the system maintains detection capability while avoiding excessive exposure that would raise eye safety concerns.
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 optimizes power usage, reduces heat and eye safety risks, and enhances image quality by dynamically adjusting illumination levels, ensuring effective detection of objects with non-visible light while maintaining user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a bandpass filter to ensure non-visible light is used effectively while minimizing interference
Implementation Method 2
a camera that is sensitive to the non-visible light
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a level of direct illumination for an imaging system is dynamically adjusted based on a level of at least one of ambient illumination or displayed illumination. A level of the at least one of ambient illumination or displayed illumination may be detected. The level of direct illumination may be altered based on the detected level of the at least one of ambient illumination or displayed illumination. Operation of a non-visible light-sensitive image sensor of the imaging system may be adjusted based on the altered level of direct illumination.