Multi-Sensor Illumination Synchronization to Prevent Imaging Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems with multiple image sensors face challenges in synchronized operation, leading to interference and undesired effects such as flickering and heat generation, especially in miniaturized devices with closely placed components, affecting image quality and operator health.
Innovation Solution
A dual illumination framework for multi-sensor imaging systems that synchronizes illumination sources with image sensors, adjusting illumination pulse trains to accommodate exposure periods and autofocus timings, and triggers additional illumination sources based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors operate simultaneously without synchronization, then imaging coverage and functionality are improved, but interference between components increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination pulses for each image sensor, where the controller activates illumination sources in alternating time intervals corresponding to each sensor's exposure period. This periodic action ensures that only one sensor receives illumination at any given time, eliminating cross-interference while maintaining the functionality of multiple sensors for different imaging purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of illumination pulses based on the exposure periods of different image sensors. The controller modifies illumination characteristics in real-time to match each sensor's operational requirements, enabling flexible and adaptive operation without fixed scheduling constraints.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination sources operate continuously to ensure adequate lighting, then image quality is improved, but heat generation increases and operator health is affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous illumination, the system uses periodic illumination pulses that are synchronized with the exposure periods of image sensors. This approach provides adequate lighting only when needed for image capture, significantly reducing overall heat generation while maintaining image quality during active exposure intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system operates on-demand based on the imaging requirements of the sensors. The controller activates illumination sources only when a sensor is exposed, allowing the system to self-regulate illumination delivery and minimize unnecessary heat generation from continuous operation.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination sources operate simultaneously to provide comprehensive coverage, then lighting coverage is improved, but flickering increases and synchronization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic illumination pulses for each illumination source, carefully synchronized with the exposure periods of corresponding image sensors. This coordinated periodic action ensures that each sensor receives illumination only during its own exposure window, eliminating flickering effects that would occur with unsynchronized simultaneous operation of multiple illumination sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically manages the timing and duration of each illumination source based on the specific exposure requirements of each image sensor. This dynamic coordination allows multiple illumination sources to operate without causing flickering, as each source is activated only when its corresponding sensor is exposed.
4Productivity
If illumination pulse frequency is increased to improve image capture speed, then productivity is improved, but heat generation increases and interference with other sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic illumination pulses with frequencies optimized for each image sensor's exposure period. By synchronizing the pulse frequency with the specific timing requirements of each sensor rather than using a high uniform frequency for all sensors, the system achieves efficient image capture while distributing heat generation across separate time intervals, preventing cumulative thermal buildup.
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.