Imaging System Perceived Resolution Control via Light Source Brightness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical systems, such as microscopes, lack the ability to control resolution effectively without an integrated aperture stop, which limits user experience in imaging systems.

Innovation Solution

A device with interface and processing circuitry that adjusts the brightness of a light source based on user feedback and eye-tracking sensor data to control perceived resolution, utilizing the pupil diameter as a dynamic aperture stop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an aperture stop is integrated into the optical system to control resolution, then the resolution control capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical aperture stop with a computational approach. The processing circuitry calculates a virtual aperture stop position based on the light source position and optical parameters, then uses this calculated position to control the effective resolution without any physical aperture component. This substitutes mechanical resolution control with computational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational step between the light source and the image formation. The processing circuitry acts as an intermediary that calculates the effective aperture stop position based on the light source position and optical parameters, mediating the relationship between illumination and resolution without requiring a physical aperture component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the light source brightness is increased to improve perceived resolution through pupil adaptation, then the perceived resolution is improved, but the user comfort and image quality may deteriorate due to excessive brightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperceived resolutionVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing circuitry continuously monitors the light source position and optical parameters, calculates the effective aperture stop position, and adjusts the light source brightness accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the perceived resolution is optimized while maintaining appropriate brightness levels that do not compromise user comfort or image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes multiple parameters including light source brightness, light source position, and the calculated virtual aperture stop position. By coordinating these parameter changes, the system achieves improved perceived resolution through controlled pupil adaptation while preventing excessive brightness that would harm user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a physical aperture stop is added to control resolution, then the resolution control is improved, but the optical system design and alignment become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution controlVSAvoidoptical system design and alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for a physical aperture stop by substituting it with a computational model. The processing circuitry calculates the effective aperture stop position based on light source position and optical parameters, removing the manufacturing and alignment complexity associated with integrating a physical aperture component into the optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the resolution control function from the physical optical components and relocates it to the computational domain. By taking out the aperture stop from the optical system and representing it as a calculated virtual position, the patent simplifies the optical design and manufacturing while preserving the resolution control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 user experience by optimizing perceived resolution and reducing pixel visibility, allowing for improved imaging system performance without altering the optical components.

Implementation Method 1

the brightness of the light source may be increased such that a pupil of a user adapts to the brightness resulting in an improved perceived resolution of the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPupil diameter adaptation:

Implementation Method 2

the information may be obtained by receiving an output signal from the eye-tracking sensor indicative of a status of an eye of a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEye-tracking:

Data Source

PatentEP4339681A1Device for an imaging system, ocular, display apparatus, imaging system, method and computer program
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 LEICA INSTRUMENTS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • EP4339681A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4339681A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4339681A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5b

AI summary

A device 130 for controlling a perceived resolution of an imaging system is provided. The device 130 comprises interface circuitry 132 configured to communicate with a display device 148 of the imaging system and a processing circuitry 134 configured to control the interface circuitry 132. Further, the processing circuitry 134 is configured to obtain information about a desired brightness change of a light source of the display device 148 and to adjust a brightness of the light source based on the information to control the perceived resolution of a display of the display device 148.