Strobing LED Array Synchronization for High-Speed Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional machine vision systems face challenges in achieving high-speed image capture with sufficient light energy, as existing lighting technologies either consume excessive power, dissipate heat inefficiently, or are prone to ambient light interference, and strobed light sources can be annoying and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A system that synchronizes a strobing LED array with a camera's image exposure, using a first strobing LED array with a low duty cycle to provide high light output efficiently while minimizing power consumption and heat dissipation, and ensuring the camera captures images during the light pulse to avoid ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If fluorescent or LED lighting is used for long exposure time, then power consumption is reduced and heat dissipation is efficient, but light output is low and imaging speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a strobed LED lighting system that operates in cycles of illumination and darkness, synchronized with the camera shutter. The LED is turned on only during the camera's exposure period, providing high light output when needed while maintaining low average power consumption. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling peak power demand from average power consumption, allowing high-speed imaging with energy efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If halogen, high pressure sodium, or metal halide lighting is used for short exposure time, then light output is high for high speed imaging, but power consumption and heat dissipation are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous high-power lighting sources with a periodically activated LED system. The LED is strobed at the same frequency as the camera shutter, delivering high peak brightness during the exposure window while consuming minimal average power. This periodic operation allows the system to achieve high illumination intensity only when needed, eliminating the continuous power consumption and heat generation associated with halogen and metal halide lamps.
3Productivity
If strobed light source is used for high speed imaging, then light output is high and efficiency is improved, but the light source can be annoying and potentially hazardous to personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses low-frequency strobing (7-15 Hz) synchronized with the camera shutter, which is below the threshold for causing epileptic seizures. The periodic illumination is carefully controlled to provide sufficient light for high-speed imaging while minimizing disturbance to personnel. The low frequency ensures that the light does not create visible flickering that would be annoying, while still providing adequate illumination during each exposure cycle.
4Ease of operation
If ambient light is present during image capture, then imaging can proceed without additional lighting, but light shields or optical filters are required to limit external light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a strobed LED system that operates at the same frequency as the camera shutter, creating a synchronized illumination pattern. This periodic lighting eliminates the need for light shields or optical filters because the illumination is concentrated entirely during the camera's exposure window. The periodic action ensures that ambient light does not interfere with the image capture, as the LED provides the only significant light source during the critical exposure period.
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
The solution enables high-speed, accurate image capture with reduced power consumption and heat dissipation, minimizing the need for external shielding and allowing for improved depth of field and flexibility in scanning applications.
Implementation Method 1
A system for synchronizing image capture and a light source has a first strobing light emitting diode (LED) array with a plurality of LEDs located to light an illumination area
Data Source
AI summary
A system for synchronizing image capture and a light source has a first strobing light emitting diode (LED) array with a plurality of LEDs located to light an illumination area. The LED array has an on cycle during which the LED array is activated and an off cycle during which the LED array is inactivated. The system also has a camera located with a view of the illumination area. The camera has an image exposure that coincides with the on cycle of the strobing LED array.