Selective Camera Flash Synchronization for Low-Light Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems fail to provide selective and controllable scene volume imaging in low light level conditions, especially in harsh weather like rain or snow, and do not offer unified image enhancement in specific ranges.
Innovation Solution
A camera system that synchronizes each camera pulse light flash with exposure to create a selective and controllable scene volume by adjusting minimal and maximal ranges, allowing for enhanced image capture in low illumination conditions through electro-optical techniques and active illumination synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional camera flash is used to illuminate the scene in low light situations, then image picture quality is improved, but selective and controllable scene volume imaging is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scene into multiple selectable volume regions (near field, mid field, far field) by segmenting the illumination and detection time windows. Each volume corresponds to a specific time window where light reflected from that distance is captured, enabling selective imaging of different scene depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed illumination with synchronized gated detection windows. The illumination source emits light in periodic pulses, and the sensor opens detection gates at specific intervals to capture reflections from different distances, enabling temporal separation of spatial information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gated camera imaging system with laser pulses is used, then selective volume imaging is achieved, but unified image enhancement in specific ranges in low-light level conditions is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of illumination intensity and detection sensitivity based on the selected scene volume and ambient light conditions. The system adapts its parameters in real-time to provide unified enhancement across the selected range, transitioning between different operating modes (gated, non-gated, illuminated, non-illuminated) as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including illumination pulse duration, detection gate timing, and sensor sensitivity to optimize imaging for different scene volumes and light levels. By adjusting these parameters, the system provides unified enhancement across selected ranges while maintaining adaptability to various lighting conditions.
3Productivity
If flash illumination is used in harsh weather conditions, then image capture is possible, but atmospheric conditions negatively impact image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary selection of the target scene volume before illumination. By pre-defining the detection time window corresponding to the desired distance range, the system prepares to capture only relevant reflections while rejecting scattered light from atmospheric particles in other ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of atmospheric scattering into a useful feature by using time-gated detection. Light scattered by rain or snow arrives at different times based on distance, allowing the system to distinguish between direct reflections from targets and scattered light, thereby improving image quality in harsh weather.
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
Enables improved image quality by selectively illuminating and accumulating light within specific scene volumes, effectively reducing the impact of atmospheric conditions and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio, especially in low-light environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to provide illumination
Implementation Method 2
A camera receives the energy of light reflexes of the pulses reflected from the target
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for object selective camera flash are provided herein. The steps of the method may include: capturing a raw image of a scene using a capturing device, wherein a scene comprises background and objects viewed by the capturing device; indicating at least one location on the captured raw image, wherein the location on the captured image corresponds with a location in the scene; calculating a volume portion within the scene based on the indicated at least one location on the captured raw image; generating a flash pulse having specified parameters directed at the scene; synchronizing an exposure of the capturing device to be carried out when reflections of the flash pulse from the calculated volume portion reaches the capturing device; and accumulating the reflections to yield an enhanced image.