Image Capture Hood and Light Guide for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization and cost-effectiveness due to the need for spaced and high-intensity light-emitting devices, which also lead to unwanted light invasion into the image capturing unit, affecting image clarity.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a ring-shaped light guide member and a hood system that directs and diffuses light from peripheral light-emitting devices to create uniform illumination while preventing extraneous light from entering the image capturing unit, using a single circuit board for both light-emitting and image sensors, and incorporating a diffusion plate and optical filter to enhance image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If light-emitting devices are disposed close to the image capturing unit for miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but unwanted light invades the image capturing unit causing image degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unwanted light paths from the optical system by introducing a hood structure that selectively blocks light from reaching the image capturing unit while allowing necessary light to pass through to the object. This separates the useful light function from the harmful light intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood acts as an intermediary element between the light-emitting devices and the image capturing unit. It mediates the light interaction by allowing illumination light to reach the object while blocking direct light paths to the sensor, thus enabling miniaturization without image degradation.
2Illumination intensity
If high-intensity light-emitting devices are used to ensure sufficient illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function across multiple low-intensity light-emitting devices arranged in a specific pattern, rather than using a single high-intensity source. This segmentation allows sufficient overall illumination while reducing the intensity requirement for each individual device, lowering cost and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using multiple light sources with optimized emission patterns and intensities. By adjusting the number, arrangement, and intensity parameters of light-emitting devices, the system achieves sufficient illumination quality without requiring high-intensity individual sources.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are disposed apart to provide uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the light-emitting devices within a compact hood structure that integrates multiple functions. The hood contains and directs light from multiple sources while maintaining a compact overall form factor, allowing uniform illumination without increasing device complexity or size proportionally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges light-emitting devices in a three-dimensional configuration within the hood structure, utilizing spatial dimensions efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple light sources to provide uniform illumination while maintaining a compact device footprint and reducing overall complexity.
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 solution enables miniaturization and cost-effective spread illumination, preventing unwanted light invasion and ensuring clear image capture by using a ring-shaped light guide and hood system to manage light distribution effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide member for guiding the light from the plurality of light-emitting devices to an image capturing range and illuminating the image capturing range
Implementation Method 2
an optical unit accommodated inside the light guide member and guiding the reflected light of the object in the illuminated image capturing range to the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
an optical unit accommodated inside the light guide member and guiding the reflected light of the object
Implementation Method 4
an optical filter disposed on the object side of the optical unit and the light guide member
Implementation Method 5
a hood optically intercepting the optical unit from the light guide member
Implementation Method 6
the hood includes a flange for intercepting the light reflected on the optical filter among the light output from the light guide member, from being incident to the optical unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus illuminate and captures an image of an object using reflected light from the object. In the apparatus, a plurality of light-emitting devices are mounted in the periphery of an image sensor, and the light of the plurality of light-emitting devices is guided to an image capturing region by a light guide member for illumination. On the image capturing apparatus having the image capturing system disposed close to the illumination system, a hood is provided for optically intercepting the image capturing system from the illumination system, with a flange disposed thereon. The light reflected on the upper face of a filter can be intercepted from being incident on an image capturing system unit. Accordingly, output light not irradiating the object and causing an image capturing noise can be intercepted, which is effective for a clear photographed image.