IR Reflector for Uniform Illumination and Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video camera systems face challenges in efficient heat management, illumination control, and visual aesthetics, particularly with ineffective IR illumination technologies consuming excessive power and generating heat, and complex thermal management demands, while also requiring effective light manipulation to prevent interference with image sensors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a compact camera system with on-camera processing, passive cooling, and IR reflectors to manage heat and light, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and uniform IR illumination within the camera's field of view, using a single-piece cover element for aesthetics and waterproofing, and incorporating a light ring for visual feedback on operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-powered IR illuminators are used to improve night-time illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using an IR reflector with specifically engineered reflective properties in different zones. The reflector has a first reflective portion with high reflectivity for directing IR light onto the scene, and a second reflective portion with different reflective characteristics for controlling light distribution. This localized variation in reflective quality enables efficient IR illumination while reducing overall power consumption by optimizing where and how light is reflected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of IR light that would otherwise be wasted or cause interference into a beneficial effect. The IR reflector captures IR light that would be lost and redirects it onto the scene, transforming wasted energy into useful illumination. Additionally, the reflector design prevents IR light from entering the image sensor, converting potential harmful interference into controlled beneficial illumination of the target scene.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication technologies are integrated to improve adaptability, then adaptability is improved, but thermal management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single camera housing that accommodates multiple wireless communication technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IEEE 15.4) along with the image sensor and processing components. The housing serves as a universal platform that integrates diverse functions, allowing the device to perform multiple wireless communications simultaneously while managing thermal aspects through the unified passive cooling design of the housing structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece cover element is used to simplify manufacturing and improve aesthetics, then ease of manufacture is improved, but light manipulation control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece cover element incorporates locally varied optical properties to achieve different light manipulation functions in different zones. The cover element has an IR-transparent portion for the image sensor, a visible light transparent portion for ambient light sensing, and an IR-reflective portion for the illuminators. This localized differentiation within a single piece maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing precise light control.
4Device complexity
If passive cooling is implemented to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation efficiency must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service passive cooling where the camera housing itself serves as the heat dissipation structure. The housing is designed with thermal characteristics that enable it to conduct and dissipate heat from internal components without requiring separate active cooling mechanisms. The housing material and structure are selected to provide inherent thermal management, allowing the device to cool itself through natural convection and radiation.
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 solution enables efficient heat dissipation, improved image quality by preventing light interference, and provides visual feedback on camera status without disturbing operation, enhancing user satisfaction and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an IR reflector component configured to: (i) substantially restrict the illumination onto the first portion of the scene, and (ii) illuminate the first portion in a substantially uniform manner across the field of view of the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
passive cooling, allowing for efficient heat dissipation
Implementation Method 3
it is important to channel the heat away from the high-sensitive components while maintaining the compact, passively-cooled aspects of the camera(s)
Implementation Method 4
Components for manipulating the light from the camera's illuminators, e.g., reflectors and diffusers, are important to prevent wash out or anomalies in the captured images
Data Source
AI summary
The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for illuminating and capturing scenes. In one aspect, a video camera assembly includes: (1) one or more processors configured to operate the video camera assembly in a day mode and in a night mode; (2) an image sensor having a field of view of a scene and configured to capture video of a first portion of the scene while in the day mode of operation and in the night mode of operation, the first portion corresponding to the field of view of the image sensor; (3) one or more infrared (IR) illuminators configured to provide illumination during the night mode of operation while the image sensor captures video; and (4) an IR reflector component configured to: (i) substantially restrict the illumination onto the first portion of the scene, and (ii) illuminate the first portion in a substantially uniform manner across the field of view of the image sensor.