Image-Based Light Output for Dynamic Zone Demarcation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial settings face challenges in clearly demarcating zones due to faded or broken signs, poor visibility, and user desensitization, while transportation and public spaces struggle with object detection and notification in low-light or adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a processor to identify objects through imaging data and coordinate-based illumination, such as laser projection, to dynamically outline zones or objects for enhanced visibility and notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional signs or surface markers are used for zone demarcation, then the initial visibility and recognition are good, but over time they break, fade, or get erased leading to poor visibility and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static signs to dynamic projected images that can be updated and changed on demand. The projection system dynamically displays zone demarcations on surfaces, allowing the information to be refreshed and maintained without physical degradation, thus resolving the contradiction between initial visibility and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of zone demarcation information through projected images rather than relying on physical signs. These projected copies can be generated indefinitely without wear, fading, or breaking, maintaining reliability while eliminating the duration limitation of physical materials.
2Loss of information
If static signs are used for notification, then they provide constant information, but users become desensitized and ignore them over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or intermittent projection of zone demarcation images rather than continuous static signs. By periodically refreshing the visual information, the system maintains user attention and prevents desensitization, thus preserving notification effectiveness while adapting to user behavioral patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of projected images allows for changes in brightness, color, animation, and content based on detected conditions or time of day, making the notification adaptable and engaging rather than monotonous, thereby preventing user desensitization.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional markers are used in poor lighting or adverse environments, then they provide passive information, but visibility and detection become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive reflective markers with active illumination systems that project images directly onto surfaces. This substitution from passive to active systems enables the zone demarcations to self-illuminate, providing high visibility in poor lighting conditions and adverse environments without relying on external light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system can dynamically adjust parameters such as brightness, contrast, and color of the projected images based on ambient lighting conditions detected by sensors, ensuring optimal visibility across varying environmental conditions and overcoming the limitations of static markers.
4Reliability
If physical signs are deployed for zone marking, then they provide tangible demarcation, but they require maintenance and replacement when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses projected images as virtual copies of physical signs, eliminating the need for manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of physical materials. The digital projection system maintains consistent zone demarcation information without wear, tear, or degradation, significantly reducing maintenance complexity while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system serves multiple functions: zone demarcation, hazard notification, and dynamic information display, all through a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple different physical signs and their associated maintenance requirements, simplifying the overall system while maintaining consistent and reliable information delivery.
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
Enhances zone demarcation and object detection, improving safety and efficiency by providing clear visual cues in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to provide light to the light output device under test and a spatial light modulator to modulate the light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
an imaging sensor to capture one or more optical field images of the light output device under test
Data Source
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AI summary
Broadly, this disclosure discloses various computing technologies that include a processor in communication with an imaging device and with an illumination device. The processor receives a set of imaging data from the imaging device such that the processor is able to identify an object within the set of imaging data and determine a set of coordinates. The processor then sends the set of coordinates to the illumination device such that the illumination device can output an illumination based on the set of coordinates.