External Illumination Device for Computing Video Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld computing devices often face unpredictable and inadequate illumination during video calls and camera-related activities, making it difficult to capture clear images, especially in low-light environments, which affects the user experience.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device with a light source, preferably LEDs, is attached to the computing device, providing adjustable illumination to enhance image capture and user visibility, powered by an external source or the device's internal power, with adjustable intensity, viewing angles, and color, and can be controlled via external switches or the device's buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If no additional illumination device is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the illumination quality during video calls in low-light environments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is integrated with the computing device through a mounting structure that attaches the light source assembly to the device housing. This merging approach allows the illumination function to be added without requiring a completely separate device, thereby improving illumination quality while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device serves multiple functions: it provides lighting for video calls, acts as an indicator light for device status, and can be used for camera-related activities. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single added component.
2Reliability
If an illumination device is added to improve video call quality, then image capture quality improves, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device uses LED light sources which are energy-efficient, have long operational lifetimes, and can be easily replaced if needed. This allows for reliable image capture quality without committing to a heavy, permanent illumination system.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device includes adjustable light intensity and color temperature parameters, allowing optimization of illumination for different video call conditions. This adjustability ensures reliable image quality across various scenarios without requiring excessive illumination power that would increase weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the illumination device provides fixed lighting, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different lighting conditions and user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device features adjustable light intensity and color temperature that can be dynamically changed based on ambient lighting conditions and user preferences. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through control circuits that respond to user input or environmental sensors, providing versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates ambient light sensors that detect surrounding lighting conditions and automatically adjust the illumination output accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the illumination device to adapt to different environments automatically, reducing the need for manual control while maintaining high adaptability.
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
The illumination device significantly improves video call and camera-related experiences by providing consistent and optimized lighting, enabling better image capture and user visibility, and can also serve as indicators for device status or applications, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination device comprises: a light source
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention discloses an illumination device that may be attached to a computing device and provide a light source for a video call, video conference, or a picture capturing process. The illumination device comprises a light source, a power connector, and an attachment assembly that connects that light source to the computing device. The light source maybe a plurality of LEDs or a light panel using electroluminescent lighting. The illumination device may further comprise an external power source and a switch. The illumination device may also be integrally connected to the computing device and uses the power source of the computing device and being controlled by buttons or switches of the computing device. The illumination device may also provide additional signals for incoming calls or ongoing calls by displaying different light intensity, pattern, or color.