IR Transmitter Repurposing for Illumination and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for more efficient and intuitive methods to interact with electronic devices in residential environments, particularly for video surveillance cameras and electronic devices that utilize infrared (IR) transmitters for illumination and communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes IR transmitters, processors, and memory in electronic devices, allowing for modes of operation that include both environmental illumination and communication, using IR signals for device interaction, and potentially enhancing these capabilities with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and depth mapping functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If IR transmitters are used for illumination to generate images, then image quality in low light conditions is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IR transmitter universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: illumination for image capture and communication with electronic devices. The same IR LED array serves both purposes, eliminating the need for separate illumination and communication hardware, thus improving illumination capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IR transmitters are used for communication with electronic devices, then device interaction capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive control methods
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service by using the camera's existing flash functionality as the interface for communication. When the camera flash is activated, it simultaneously illuminates the scene and transmits communication signals to IR-receiving devices. This eliminates the need for separate remote controls or complex pairing procedures, making operation as intuitive as taking a photograph.
3Productivity
If multiple functions are integrated into the camera system, then productivity is improved through enhanced functionality, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination function and communication function into a single integrated system using the IR LED array. The same hardware component and control logic handle both image illumination and device communication, consolidating multiple functions into existing camera subsystems rather than adding separate dedicated components, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 system enables efficient and intuitive interaction with electronic devices, improving illumination and communication through IR signals, and potentially enhancing device control and scene analysis with depth mapping features.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more IR transmitters comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
utilizing IR transmitters for illumination and communication
Implementation Method 3
generate an image, via the camera, of at least a portion of the environment
Implementation Method 4
communicating information to a second electronic device via at least one of the one or more IR transmitters
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for repurposing IR transmitters. In one aspect, a method is performed at a first electronic device with a camera, one or more IR transmitters, one or more processors, and memory coupled to the one or more processors. The method includes operating the first electronic device in a first mode, the first mode including illuminating an environment proximate the first electronic device via at least one of the one or more IR transmitters to generate an image, via the camera, of at least a portion of the environment. The method further includes operating the first electronic device in a second mode, the second mode including communicating information to a second electronic device via at least one of the one or more IR transmitters.