Object-Dependent Image Illumination Using Tracking Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image acquisition technologies face challenges in achieving uniform illumination of complex-shaped objects due to the low dynamic range of cameras, leading to exaggerated illumination contrasts and difficulties in correcting lighting issues post-processing, especially when dealing with moving objects or those requiring precise three-dimensional representations.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize tracking information to control adjustable light sources based on the orientation, location, or distance of an object within the camera's field-of-view, optimizing illumination to avoid shadows and overexposure by deriving an approximate three-dimensional representation without the need for precise sensor data or computationally expensive point cloud generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a three-dimensional representation is generated to control lighting, then illumination precision is improved, but computational cost and sensor data requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination precisionVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simplified two-dimensional copy or projection of the object's spatial properties instead of generating a complete three-dimensional representation. Tracking information such as orientation, location, and distance is used to create a sufficient approximation for lighting control without the computational burden of full 3D modeling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary tracking information (orientation, location, distance) required for effective lighting control rather than capturing complete three-dimensional data. This provides sufficient illumination precision while avoiding excessive computational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Manufacturing precision

If complex three-dimensional data is collected for object representation, then lighting accuracy is improved, but data processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting accuracyVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simplified representation copying only the essential spatial properties (orientation, location, distance) needed for lighting control, avoiding the time-consuming process of collecting and processing complete complex three-dimensional data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by using pre-acquired tracking information that is already available from the camera system, rather than collecting additional complex three-dimensional data at the moment of image capture, thus reducing processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If uniform illumination is achieved through precise lighting control, then image quality is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-service by leveraging the camera's existing tracking capabilities to automatically control the lighting, rather than requiring separate complex three-dimensional sensing systems. The tracking information from the camera itself serves the dual purpose of object detection and lighting control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by using the camera's tracking system for multiple functions: both object detection/identification and lighting control. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining image quality

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

Data Source

PatentEP4297393A1Object-dependent image illumination
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4297393A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4297393A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4297393A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus, method, program and system for adapted illumination based on tracking information is proposed.