Multi-Directional Lighting Unit for Dynamic Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital cameras and video recorders lack integration of pico projectors, which limits their ability to dynamically adjust lighting for optimal image capture based on user needs and scene conditions.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing device equipped with a multi-directional lighting unit and a light control system that analyzes image feature and capture function information to dynamically project different light beams to specific areas, preventing issues like red-eye effect and enhancing image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional digital cameras and video recorders are used without integrated pico projectors, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to dynamically adjust lighting for optimal image capture is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pico projector and digital camera into a single integrated device, allowing the projector to serve dual purposes as both an image output device and a dynamic lighting source for camera capture, thereby enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated pico projector serves multiple functions: it can project images for display and simultaneously function as a controllable lighting source for image capture, enabling the same hardware component to fulfill multiple roles based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pico projectors are simply added as separate output devices, then image output capability is provided, but linkage and coordination between the projector and camera for optimized capture is absent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination between projector and cameraVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes bidirectional communication between the camera and projector through the processing unit, allowing real-time coordination where the camera captures scene information and the projector adjusts lighting accordingly, creating a feedback loop that optimizes image capture dynamically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The processing unit acts as an intermediary that receives data from both the camera and projector, processes the information, and coordinates their operations to achieve synchronized and optimized image capture and projection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If uniform lighting is applied to the entire scene, then illumination is consistent, but specific areas requiring different lighting conditions cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea-specific lighting controlVSAvoidlighting control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the scene into multiple areas and applies different lighting conditions to each area based on captured image analysis, allowing optimization of illumination for specific regions of interest while maintaining overall scene coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2680570B1Image capturing device and capturing method with light assistance
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 ACER INC
  • EP2680570B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP2680570B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2680570B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

An image capturing device and a capturing method with light assistance are provided, wherein the image capturing device has a multi-directional lighting unit. In the method, at least two areas are defined continuously according to information provided by the image capturing device after the image capturing device enters a capture mode. Before a capture result is obtained, the multi-directional lighting unit is dynamically controlled to project different light beams to at least two latest areas.