Multi-Sensor Imaging Flicker Control With Broadest Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-sensor imaging apparatuses experience flicker issues due to the activation and deactivation of multiple illuminator sources, causing irritating and potentially harmful light pulses perceivable by human observers, and existing solutions either require expensive specialized sensors or waste illumination energy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a broadest illuminator source to determine and activate the chosen image sensor for image processing, minimizing flicker by reducing the number of illuminator source activations and utilizing a single, brighter source for efficient illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illuminator sources are activated and deactivated during sensor cycling, then image processing operations can be performed with different sensors, but flicker is produced that is perceivable and irritating to human observers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple illuminator sources into a single broadest illuminator source that can illuminate the entire field of view. This consolidation eliminates the flicker caused by cycling multiple illuminators on and off, while still allowing the system to cycle between multiple image sensors for processing different regions of interest. The single illuminator provides continuous illumination, preventing perceivable flicker while maintaining sensor cycling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadest illuminator source serves multiple functions: it illuminates the entire field of view for any sensor, replaces the need for multiple specialized illuminators, and provides continuous illumination to prevent flicker. This universal illuminator can support any combination of sensors and any region of interest, eliminating the need for sensor-specific illuminator activation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple illuminator sources are used for different sensors, then each sensor can be optimized for its field of view, but illumination energy is wasted through repeated activation and deactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor-optimized illuminator sources into a single broadest illuminator source. Instead of activating and deactivating multiple illuminators, the system uses one continuous illuminator that covers the entire field of view. This eliminates the energy waste associated with repeated activation and deactivation cycles while still allowing each sensor to be optimized for its specific imaging parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadest illuminator source provides continuous illumination throughout the field of view, eliminating the intermittent activation and deactivation of multiple illuminators. This continuous useful action maintains constant lighting levels, preventing flicker and reducing energy waste from repeated on/off cycles, while still enabling sensor cycling for optimized processing.
3Productivity
If conventional cycling methods are used to select image sensors, then the chosen sensor can be determined for image processing, but the activation and deactivation of illuminator sources produces light pulses at frequencies perceivable by humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple illuminator sources into a single continuous-brightness broadest illuminator. This allows the system to maintain constant illumination while cycling through different image sensors for processing. The continuous illumination from the single illuminator prevents perceivable light pulses and flicker, while the sensor cycling continues uninterrupted for efficient image processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadest illuminator provides continuous illumination without interruption during sensor cycling operations. This continuity eliminates the perceivable light pulses that occur when multiple illuminators are activated and deactivated in sequence. The system maintains constant useful illumination while efficiently cycling through sensors to determine the best candidate for image processing.
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
Reduces flicker perception and illumination energy waste while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using a broadest illuminator source to select and activate image sensors, optimizing flicker control without requiring expensive specialized sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a broadest illuminator source to illuminate a field of view
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments described herein provide implementations for controlling flicker, for example caused by a plurality of light sources, in a multi-sensor environment. Various embodiments provided utilize a broadest illuminator source for capturing image data objects for processing. The broadest illuminator source minimizes the number of activation changes required between the various illuminator sources. One example embodiment includes activating a broadest illuminator source of a plurality of illuminator sources; determining, based on a plurality of image sensors and an sensor activation sequence, a chosen image sensor of the plurality of image sensors for an image processing operation; and activating a chosen illuminator source of the plurality of illuminator sources, the chosen illuminator source associated with the chosen image sensor.