Multi-Channel Light Source for Per-Pixel Reflectance Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting technologies, such as incandescent bulbs and LEDs, suffer from limitations in color accuracy and energy efficiency, and existing image capture systems face challenges in accurately reproducing ambient light conditions due to the lack of tunable light sources and inadequate color rendering, leading to poor color quality in images.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel light source with multiple color channels, capable of producing a wide range of colors, is used in conjunction with a multi-channel image sensor to estimate reflectance and illuminance on a per-pixel basis, allowing for precise control of light output and improved color reproduction through advanced characterization modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lighting technologies (incandescent, fluorescent) are used, then they provide basic illumination, but they have short lifespans, low energy efficiency, and limited color accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple LEDs with different correlated color temperatures (e.g., 2000K, 4000K, 6504K) that can be independently controlled and mixed to achieve various color temperatures. This allows the system to adapt to different lighting requirements while maintaining high energy efficiency and long lifespan characteristics of LED technology, overcoming the limitations of traditional single-color temperature lighting sources.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed white light LEDs are used, then they provide consistent illumination, but they lack tunable color range and accurate color rendering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LED channels with different color temperatures (warm white, neutral white, cool white) into a single integrated light source. By merging these different spectral outputs, the system achieves both illumination consistency and versatile color temperature adjustment, allowing the same hardware to produce various color temperatures suitable for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source transitions from a static fixed-color temperature output to a dynamic tunable system. The controller can dynamically adjust the mixing ratios of different LED channels to achieve desired color temperatures in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to varying environmental and application requirements while maintaining stable illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If phosphor white light or xenon white light is used, then images can be captured with sufficient luminosity, but color accuracy and vibrancy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single broad-spectrum light source like phosphor white or xenon white, the patent segments the illumination into multiple narrow-band LED channels with specific color temperatures. Each LED channel provides a controlled spectral contribution, allowing precise control over the overall color rendering while maintaining adequate luminosity through coordinated activation of multiple channels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mixed white light below Planckian locus is used, then color temperature can be adjusted, but the light becomes pinkish in tone requiring post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates color temperature detection and feedback control. By monitoring the actual color temperature output and comparing it with the target value, the controller can adjust the LED channel mixing ratios to achieve precise color temperature matching. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate color rendering without unwanted pinkish tones, eliminating the need for extensive post-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
This solution enables the production of high-fidelity white light across a broad color temperature range, improving image quality by accurately capturing and reproducing the color spectrum, reducing the need for post-processing and enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a first channel of the multi-channel light source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a first wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
a multi-channel image sensor configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here are computer programs and associated computer-implemented techniques for determining reflectance of an image on a per-pixel basis. More specifically, a characterization module can initially acquire a first data set generated by a multi-channel light source and a second data set generated by a multi-channel image sensor. The first data set may specify the illuminance of each channel of the multi-channel light source (which may be able to produce visible light and/or non-visible light), while the second data set may specify the response of each sensor channel of the multi-channel image sensor (which is configured to capture an image in conjunction with the light). Thus, the characterization module may determine reflectance based on illuminance and sensor response. The characterization module may also be configured to determine illuminance based on reflectance and sensor response, or determine sensor response based on illuminance and reflectance.