Orientation-Based Illumination Control to Limit Observer Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uncontrolled illumination light from electronic devices can cause discomfort, distraction, and visibility issues, potentially alerting observers to the presence of the device and its operator, especially in covert operations.
Innovation Solution
A computing system controls an illumination light source by defining a light restriction zone based on the device's orientation and environment, directing light outside this zone to minimize visibility to observers, using sensors to estimate orientation and position, and dynamically adjusting light emission to avoid the restriction zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If illumination light is emitted to illuminate the external environment, then the environment is illuminated and visibility is improved, but light becomes visible to observers and alerts them to the presence of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing illumination light to specific zones (forward, downward, upward) rather than uniformly in all directions. The light is concentrated in areas where it provides maximum utility for the user while minimizing exposure to potential observers, creating spatially differentiated illumination quality that addresses both illumination needs and stealth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial distribution of light by emitting illumination in multiple directions (forward, downward, upward) simultaneously. This dimensional approach allows the system to illuminate the environment effectively while controlling the angular distribution of visible light, reducing the likelihood of detection from any single observation angle.
2Productivity
If illumination light is directed to illuminate specific areas, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to orientation control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation sensor serves multiple functions: it determines the device's orientation for controlling light emission direction, and can also be used for navigation and positioning purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining effective illumination control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own orientation sensor to automatically determine and adjust the illumination direction based on its current orientation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external control mechanisms or additional complex hardware, allowing the device to autonomously optimize its illumination pattern while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing system includes an illumination light source configured to emit illumination light into an external environment and an orientation sensor configured to estimate an orientation of the illumination light source relative to the external environment. The computing system includes a logic subsystem and a storage subsystem holding instructions executable by the logic subsystem to define a light restriction zone within the external environment. Based at least in part on the orientation of the illumination light source, the illumination light source is dynamically controlled to direct the illumination light toward at least a portion of the external environment outside the light restriction zone, while mitigating emission of the illumination light into the light restriction zone.