Pixelated Light Source for Adaptive Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices, such as smartphones and cameras, have limited flexibility in illumination settings and are prone to unwanted changes due to aging effects, which affect the quality of low-light imaging.
Innovation Solution
A light source with a semiconductor component comprising multiple pixels, allowing for independent control of each pixel's current supply and duty cycle, enabling customizable illumination patterns and color temperatures across different subareas of the field of view, and adaptive operational data management to compensate for aging effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional flash is used for illumination, then the device structure is simple, but the illumination versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple independently controllable pixels or light emitting elements, each capable of being controlled separately in terms of brightness, color temperature, and timing. This segmentation enables versatile illumination patterns while maintaining a relatively compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, programmable system where each pixel can be independently controlled. This allows the illumination characteristics to be adapted in real-time to different recording scenarios, achieving high versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a single light source is used, then the device is simple, but aging effects cause unwanted changes in illumination quality
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the light source into multiple pixels, the system can monitor and adjust each pixel's performance independently. This allows for early detection of aging effects in individual pixels and compensatory adjustments to maintain overall illumination stability throughout the light source's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives signals from the camera about the actual illumination conditions and uses this feedback to adjust the operation of individual pixels. This closed-loop control compensates for aging effects and maintains consistent illumination quality over time, extending the effective operational life of the light source.
3Illumination intensity
If all pixels are operated at maximum current, then the illumination intensity is high, but the pixel wear increases and operational life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating all pixels at maximum current, the system uses only the necessary number of pixels at the necessary brightness levels for each specific recording situation. This partial action approach achieves sufficient illumination intensity while significantly reducing overall pixel wear and extending operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adjusts the current and duty cycle parameters for each pixel based on the specific illumination requirements. By varying these parameters rather than maintaining constant maximum operation, the system achieves high brightness when needed while minimizing pixel stress and extending operational life.
4Use of energy by moving object
If uniform illumination is provided, then the lighting is simple, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different pixels are assigned to illuminate different subareas of the field of view, with each pixel's brightness and color temperature optimized for its specific region. This local quality approach improves energy efficiency by illuminating only the necessary areas with appropriate intensity, while the control complexity is managed through automated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically determines the optimal illumination pattern based on scene analysis, eliminating the need for manual configuration. This self-service capability achieves energy-efficient localized illumination while keeping the user interface simple, effectively managing control complexity.
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 provides versatile, energy-efficient illumination with customizable brightness and color temperature settings, extending the operational life of the light source by reducing pixel wear and maintaining homogeneous illumination over time.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is formed to emit light from the spectral range from infrared radiation to UV radiation, in particular visible light, during operation
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment an assembly includes a light source configured to illuminate a field of view, a control circuit configured to operate the light source and a camera configured to record a scene in the field of view, wherein the light source comprises at least one semiconductor component having at least one semiconductor chip, wherein the semiconductor chip has an semiconductor layer sequence with an active region, wherein the semiconductor chip comprises the plurality of pixels, wherein the plurality of pixels are configured to generate radiation of the light source, wherein the control circuit has a memory configured to store operational data of the light source, wherein the control circuit is configured to operate the pixels on basis of the operational data, and wherein the arrangement is configured to perform an adaptation of at least a part of the operational data in the memory during operation of the arrangement.