Mobile Terminal Dual Lighting for Depth and Material Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile terminals lack an optimized lighting system for accurately determining depth information and material of a captured image, limiting their functionality in advanced camera applications.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal equipped with a lighting unit comprising a first light source for pattern light and a second light source for uniform light, controlled by a controller to alternately turn on and off, and adjust light emission patterns, wavelengths, power, and beam profiles to capture and determine material information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light source is used for illumination, then the device structure is simple, but the accuracy of depth information and material determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit is divided into multiple light sources (first light source for patterned light, second light source for uniform light) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each light source to perform a specific function - the patterned light enables depth information extraction through structured light projection, while the uniform light provides overall illumination, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex light source
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting unit is designed to perform multiple functions using multiple light sources. The first light source projects patterned light for depth mapping and material characterization, while the second light source provides uniform illumination for general imaging. This multi-functional approach enables the system to extract both depth information and material properties simultaneously, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining reasonable device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used for pattern light and uniform light, then the accuracy of material determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources (patterned light source and uniform light source) are merged into a single integrated lighting unit that can be controlled as one system. This merging allows the patent to achieve improved material determination accuracy through the combination of patterned light (for structural analysis) and uniform light (for overall illumination), while managing device complexity by integrating the control mechanisms within a unified lighting unit structure
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second light sources are controlled to operate alternately or in coordinated periodic cycles. The controller switches between patterned light emission and uniform light emission in a timed sequence, allowing the system to capture different types of information (depth patterns and overall image data) at different time intervals. This periodic action enables material determination through temporal separation of light functions, improving accuracy while managing system complexity through time-based control
3Illumination intensity
If the lighting unit continuously emits light, then the illumination coverage is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit employs periodic action by controlling the first and second light sources to emit light in alternating or coordinated cycles rather than continuously. The controller activates the patterned light source only when depth information is needed, and the uniform light source when general illumination is required, thereby maintaining adequate illumination coverage for camera operation while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous emission
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting unit implements dynamic control where the illumination characteristics (which light source is active, intensity levels, duration) are adjusted in real-time based on the operational requirements. The controller dynamically switches between different lighting modes (patterned light mode, uniform light mode, or both simultaneously at reduced intensity) to match the immediate needs of the camera function, maintaining sufficient illumination coverage while optimizing energy consumption through adaptive control
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
Enables accurate determination of material and depth information in captured images, enhancing the terminal's camera capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting unit 124, and a controller 180 that controls the lighting unit 124 to irradiate illumination (or light)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal having a lighting unit and a control method thereof. A mobile terminal according to one implementation includes a lighting unit, a camera, and a controller configured to control the lighting unit to irradiate illumination light to a subject to be captured through the camera, and control the camera to capture the subject irradiated with the illumination light, wherein the controller is configured to determine a material of the subject based on information related to the illumination light irradiated on the subject captured through the camera.