Spot Matrix Illumination for Imaging Sensor Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging sensors face challenges in detecting objects with varying reflectivities and distances within a single image frame due to uniform illumination, leading to issues like pixel saturation or insufficient signal-to-noise ratio, and require high power consumption for wide viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a spot matrix illumination technique, where light is concentrated into focused spots across the viewing field, allowing for interlacing of high brightness and low brightness spots, and dynamic adjustment of illumination intensity based on ambient light conditions, enabling reliable detection of both bright and dark objects without increasing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform illumination is used across the viewing field, then the imaging sensor can capture the entire area, but objects with varying reflectivities and distances result in pixel saturation or insufficient signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using spot matrix illumination where different regions of the viewing field receive different illumination intensities. Specifically, spots are adapted based on local conditions: brighter spots for darker regions or farther distances, and dimmer spots for brighter regions or closer distances. This local adaptation prevents pixel saturation in bright areas while ensuring sufficient signal-to-noise ratio in dark or distant areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and measurement precision.
2Reliability
If illumination intensity is increased to detect dark or distant objects, then detection capability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by spatially varying the illumination intensity across the viewing field rather than using uniform high intensity. The spot matrix illuminator activates only specific spots with appropriate intensities based on local requirements (darker regions or distant areas receive brighter spots, while brighter or closer regions receive dimmer spots). This selective local illumination maintains detection capability for dark or distant objects while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to uniform high-intensity illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of spots in the spot matrix rather than illuminating the entire viewing field uniformly. The system determines which spots are needed based on the detection requirements and activates only those spots with appropriate intensities. This partial illumination approach maintains sufficient detection capability for critical areas while reducing power consumption by leaving other areas unilluminated or dimly illuminated.
3Reliability
If high illumination intensity is used to ensure detection across the entire viewing field, then detection coverage is maintained, but dynamic range for objects with different reflectivities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spot matrix illumination system applies local quality by adapting the illumination intensity at each spot location to match the local requirements. Darker regions or distant areas receive brighter spots to ensure sufficient signal return, while brighter or closer regions receive dimmer spots to prevent pixel saturation. This local adaptation maintains detection coverage across the entire viewing field while preserving the dynamic range needed to detect objects with different reflectivities, as each region is illuminated at the optimal intensity for its specific characteristics.
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 approach enhances the dynamic range for object detection and location, ensuring accurate detection of objects with different reflectivities and distances within a single frame while reducing power usage, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the imaging sensor.
Implementation Method 1
an light source which concentrates light into spots spaced across the viewing field
Implementation Method 2
light reflected from the viewing field is received at the receiving lens
Implementation Method 3
pixel data is generated based on reflected light received at the photo-receiver array
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging sensor device is configured to illuminate a viewing field using an array of focused light spots spaced across the viewing field rather than uniformly illuminating the viewing field, thereby reducing the amount of illumination energy required to produce a given intensity of light reflected from the spots. In some embodiments, the imaging sensor device can project an array of focused light spots at two different intensities or brightness levels, such that high intensity and low intensity light spots are interlaced across the viewing field. This ensures that both relatively dark and relatively bright or reflective objects can be reliably detected within the viewing field. The intensities of the light spots can be modulated based on measured conditions of the viewing field, including but not limited to the measured ambient light or a determined dynamic range of reflectivity of objects within the viewing field.