Multi-Camera Illumination Control for Twisting Capture Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing apparatuses face challenges in properly irradiating the image capturing area when multiple image capturing units twist at different positions, leading to inadequate illumination.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing apparatus with multiple image capturing units that can rotate around a second axis parallel to a first axis, combined with a control unit that adjusts the illumination units to emit light according to the rotation state of the image capturing units, ensuring proper illumination of the changing image capturing area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each image capturing portion rotates around a second axis at its position on the circle, then the image capturing area can be adjusted to different orientations, but the illumination area may not properly cover the image capturing area when only the corresponding position-based illumination portion emits light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capturing area orientationVSAvoidillumination coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination control unit dynamically adjusts which illumination portions emit light based on the real-time rotation state of image capturing portions. Instead of a fixed position-based illumination scheme, the system adaptively changes the illumination configuration to match the current orientation of image capturing areas, ensuring proper illumination coverage regardless of rotation angle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback about the rotation state of image capturing portions and uses this information to determine the appropriate illumination configuration. The system continuously monitors the orientation of image capturing areas and adjusts the illumination portions accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains proper illumination coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Illumination intensity

If multiple illumination portions emit light simultaneously to cover rotated image capturing areas, then illumination coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates only the necessary illumination portions required to cover the current image capturing area, rather than illuminating the entire surrounding area. By calculating the specific orientation and extent of each image capturing area, the control unit selectively activates only those illumination portions that contribute to effective illumination, avoiding waste of energy on unnecessary illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11483490B2Image capturing apparatus and its control method

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 CANON KK

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus includes a plurality of image capturing units each configured to change its position on a circle centered on a first axis, and to rotate around a second axis that is closer to each image capturing unit of the plurality of image capturing units than the first axis and that is parallel to the first axis, a plurality of illumination units configured to emit illumination light in different directions, and a control unit configured to control the plurality of illumination units. The control unit is configured to make the plurality of illumination units emit light, according to a rotation state of the image capturing unit around the second axis.