Integrating Sphere Texture Projecting Bulb
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer vision algorithms often rely on visible texture, which is lacking in many real-world features, making it challenging to operate effectively, especially in environments with insufficient visual texture.
Innovation Solution
A texture projecting light bulb is designed to approximate a point source of light using an extended light source within an integrator, which diffuses and reflects light to create a structured light pattern, allowing for improved texture projection in the infrared or visible spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an extended light source is used directly for texture projection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the texture projection sharpness and uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An integrating sphere is introduced as an intermediary component between the extended light source and the projection aperture. The sphere diffuses light from the extended source through its reflective interior surface, creating a uniform isotropic light distribution that exits through a small aperture, effectively mediating between the extended source and point-source projection requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct one-dimensional light propagation to three-dimensional light diffusion within the integrating sphere. Light from the extended source is scattered in multiple directions within the spherical volume, then re-emerges through the aperture as if from a point source, utilizing the third dimension to achieve uniformity
2Device complexity
If an extended light source is used directly for texture projection, then the device structure is simplified, but the light output uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrating sphere acts as a mediator that homogenizes the light output. Its reflective interior surface scatters photons uniformly in all directions, converting the non-uniform emission from an extended source into uniform isotropic light that exits through the aperture with consistent intensity distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The integrating sphere creates homogeneous light distribution through multiple internal reflections. The diffuse reflective coating ensures that light from any point on the extended source is scattered uniformly across the sphere's interior, resulting in homogeneous light emission from the aperture
3Manufacturing precision
If a point source approximation is implemented using an integrator, then the texture projection quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the extended light source, the integrating sphere with diffuse reflective interior, and the projection aperture. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability and modularity
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 sharper texture projection, enhancing the detection capabilities of computer vision systems by producing a more defined and uniform light output, suitable for applications in augmented reality and machine vision.
Implementation Method 1
an integrator, which diffuses and reflects light to create a structured light pattern
Implementation Method 2
an integrator, which diffuses and reflects light to create a structured light pattern
Implementation Method 3
the integrating sphere comprises a diffusely effective interior surface
Implementation Method 4
the one or more regions of the light bulb enclosure opaque to infrared light comprise a hot mirror transmissive to visible light and reflective to infrared light
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A texture projecting light bulb includes an extended light source located within an integrator. The integrator includes at least one aperture configured to allow light to travel out of the interior of the integrator. In various embodiments, the interior of the integrator may be a diffusely reflective surface and the integrator may be configured to produce a uniform light distribution at the aperture to approximate a point source. The integrator may be surrounded by a light bulb enclosure. In various embodiments, the light bulb enclosure may include transparent and opaque regions configured to project a structured pattern of visible and/or infrared light.