Imaging Apparatus Detecting Information Overlaid on Light

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging apparatuses require an additional light-receiving device to detect information overlaid on light, increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus that uses an imaging device unit to convert light into an image signal, with a light pattern detecting unit detecting information by analyzing contrast patterns within the image signal, eliminating the need for a dedicated light-receiving element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated light-receiving device is added to detect information overlaid on light, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device unit is designed to perform dual functions: capturing images of objects and detecting information overlaid on illuminating light. By making the imaging device universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate dedicated light-receiving device, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining information detection capability through contrast pattern analysis of the captured light signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the imaging function and information detection function into a single integrated system. The imaging device unit captures both the object image and the overlaid information simultaneously, and the contrast pattern detecting unit extracts information from the captured light signal, combining what would traditionally require separate devices into one unified apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If a dedicated light-receiving device is added to detect information overlaid on light, then the detection capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device unit serves itself by using its own captured light signals for both imaging and information detection purposes. The contrast pattern detecting unit processes the light signal already captured by the imaging device, eliminating the need for additional dedicated detection hardware and reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 detection of information overlaid on light at a lower cost without the need for a separate light-receiving device, improving cost efficiency and simplifying the apparatus structure.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging device unit which converts light which comes from the object, into an image signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a light pattern detecting unit which detects a contrast pattern from the image signal so as to detect the information overlaid on the illuminating light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContrast pattern detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8982233B2Imaging apparatus for imaging an object subject to illuminating light on which information is overlaid and information detection method

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 PANASONIC SEMICON SOLUTIONS CO LTD

AI summary

An imaging apparatus according to an implementation of the present invention includes: an imaging device unit which converts light coming from an object into an image signal, the light being illuminating light reflected off an object; a light pattern detecting unit which detects a light-dark pattern from the image signal so as to detect information overlaid on the illuminating light, the image signal being converted from the light by the imaging device unit; a comparing unit which compares detection information with predetermined determination information, the detection information being the information detected by the light pattern detecting unit; and a display unit which displays a specific image, depending on a result of the comparison by the comparing unit.