Mobile Terminal Light Grouping for Targeted Depth Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals lack an efficient method to extract depth information from images using light emitting devices and control these devices optimally for various camera functions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal equipped with a light emitting unit comprising multiple light emitting devices, grouped into subsets, controlled by a controller to emit light selectively towards specific portions of an image for depth information extraction, optimizing power usage and control methods based on camera operation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If light emitting devices are controlled to emit light only toward specific portions of the image for depth information extraction, then power consumption is reduced and depth information extraction success rate is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for selective control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting devices are divided into multiple groups, where each group corresponds to a specific portion of the image. The controller selectively activates only the groups needed for the current depth measurement task, rather than activating all devices. This segmentation enables targeted illumination of specific image regions, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining depth extraction capability for the required portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts which light emitting device groups are activated based on the current camera operation mode and the specific depth information requirements. The controller can adaptively select and activate different groups of light emitting devices according to real-time needs, optimizing power usage while ensuring the necessary depth information is obtained for the current imaging task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple groups of light emitting devices are controlled to emit light sequentially, then depth information extraction accuracy is improved for different image portions, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information extraction accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements periodic activation of different light emitting device groups in a sequential manner. Each group is activated in turn to illuminate specific portions of the scene, allowing the camera to capture depth information for different regions systematically. This periodic action ensures comprehensive depth coverage while managing the time required for complete depth map generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-establishes the grouping configuration of light emitting devices, mapping each group to specific portions of the image before actual depth measurement begins. This preliminary organization allows for efficient sequential activation during operation, reducing the decision-making time during actual depth extraction while maintaining the ability to target specific image regions accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method allows for optimized extraction of depth information by emitting light only to relevant image portions, minimizing power consumption and improving the success rate of depth information extraction.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting unit configured to include a plurality of light emitting devices, and emit light toward a space corresponding to an image received through the camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3311557B1Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3311557B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3311557B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~1c
  • EP3311557B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

There are provided a mobile terminal including light emitting devices and a method for controlling the same. A mobile terminal includes a camera, a light emitting unit including a plurality of light emitting devices, the light emitting unit emitting light toward a space corresponding to an image received through the camera, and a controller for controlling light emitting devices, which emit light toward a space corresponding to a portion of the image among the plurality of light emitting devices, to be used in extracting depth information of the portion.