Multi-Sensor Illumination Pulse Control to Prevent Imaging Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems with multiple image sensors face challenges in synchronizing illumination to prevent interference and flickering effects, especially in miniaturized devices where sensors and illumination sources are closely placed, leading to flawed images and health hazards from flickering illumination.
Innovation Solution
A dual illumination framework for multi-sensor imaging systems that synchronizes illumination sources with image sensors, adjusting illumination pulse trains to avoid interference and flickering, using a controller to modify illumination characteristics and activate additional sources based on image brightness and detection of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used in a miniaturized imaging system, then imaging capabilities are enhanced, but interference between components increases and synchronization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate sensor groups (first image sensor, second image sensor) with dedicated illumination sources and control mechanisms. Each sensor can be independently controlled with its own exposure periods and illumination pulses, allowing simultaneous operation without mutual interference despite close physical placement in a miniaturized device.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts illumination pulse trains based on real-time detection of sensor exposure periods. When a second image sensor begins exposure, the system modifies the first illumination pulse train by inserting additional pulses or adjusting timing to ensure the first sensor receives adequate illumination without interfering with the second sensor's exposure, enabling adaptive coordination in a compact layout.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination sources operate continuously to provide adequate lighting, then image quality is maintained, but flickering effects occur and cause health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic illumination pulse trains instead of continuous illumination. Each illumination source operates in synchronized pulses coordinated with the exposure periods of associated image sensors. This periodic operation eliminates flickering effects visible to humans while ensuring adequate illumination intensity during each exposure window, maintaining image quality without health hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the exposure periods of image sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the timing and characteristics of illumination pulse trains. By detecting when sensors are actively exposing, the system synchronizes illumination pulses to provide optimal lighting during exposure while keeping illumination sources off during non-exposure periods, eliminating flickering while maintaining image quality.
3Reliability
If illumination pulses are synchronized with exposure periods, then interference is reduced, but additional control complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages exposure periods for multiple image sensors, generates and modifies illumination pulse trains, detects sensor exposure timing, and coordinates all operations to prevent interference. This multi-functional control approach, while complex, is integrated into a single control unit that manages the entire multi-sensor system, making the added complexity manageable and worthwhile for achieving reliable interference-free operation.
4Illumination intensity
If exposure periods are extended to capture more light, then image brightness is improved, but timing synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to detect exposure periods of image sensors in advance and proactively adjust illumination pulse train characteristics before exposure begins. By predicting when sensors will need extended exposure and pre-coordinating illumination timing, the system ensures adequate brightness during extended exposure periods while maintaining synchronization, avoiding the timing conflicts that would arise from reactive adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to illumination synchronization in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include systems, methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for operating a near-field illumination source associated with a near-field image sensor, based on a first illumination pulse train. An exposure period of a far-field image sensor is determined and one or more characteristics of the first illumination pulse train are modified to accommodate the exposure period of the far-field image sensor.