Imaging Device Selective Illumination Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices face challenges in continuously monitoring subjects while minimizing power consumption for illumination, as uniform illumination is inefficient and increases power usage.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a plurality of light sources to selectively illuminate specific areas of the subject, controlling both the light sources and imaging circuitry to reduce power consumption by only illuminating necessary areas and adjusting light emission times, allowing for continuous monitoring with reduced power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the whole subject is illuminated to continuously monitor the subject, then the subject can be continuously monitored, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the subject into multiple regions (first region and second region) and illuminates them separately using different light sources. The first light source illuminates the first region while the second light source illuminates the second region, allowing selective illumination of only the necessary areas to maintain continuous monitoring while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the subject are illuminated with different light sources having specific characteristics. The first light source has first characteristics suitable for illuminating the first region, and the second light source has second characteristics suitable for illuminating the second region. This local quality approach allows optimized illumination for each region, reducing unnecessary power consumption in unmonitored areas.
2Use of energy by moving object
If illumination is stopped to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but continuous monitoring is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-determines which regions need to be illuminated based on monitoring requirements. By planning the illumination sequence and selecting appropriate light sources in advance, the system ensures continuous monitoring capability is maintained while minimizing power consumption through strategic illumination timing and selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device dynamically switches between different light sources and adjusts illumination timing based on real-time monitoring needs. The control unit determines illumination timing and light source selection adaptively, allowing the system to maintain continuous monitoring of critical regions while reducing power consumption by illuminating only necessary areas at optimal times.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different regions, then power consumption is reduced through selective illumination, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls both the first and second light sources, determines illumination timing, selects which regions to illuminate, and coordinates the imaging process. This multi-functionality approach manages the complexity of multiple light sources through a single centralized control mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple illumination components.
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
This approach effectively reduces power consumption by selectively illuminating only the required areas and adjusting light emission times, enabling continuous monitoring of subjects while minimizing energy expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources 11a to 11d respectively corresponding to a plurality of the image areas 21a to 21d
Data Source
AI summary
Power consumption needed to illuminate a subject is reduced and the subject is continuously monitored. Each of a plurality of light sources emits light to the subject. An imaging circuitry obtains a captured image by imaging the subject. A controller performs light emission control to change a light source that emits light from among the plurality of light sources and causes the imaging circuitry to image the subject. A determiner determines whether a detection target that is pre-determined exists in an image area that is a part of the captured image obtained by the imaging circuitry and corresponds to the light source that emits light during imaging for obtaining the captured image.