Time-Multiplexed Illumination Blending for Variable Zoom Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems with fixed lenses struggle to provide precise lighting for objects at varying distances due to their reliance on dedicated monochrome imagers and fixed illumination sources, limiting their ability to perform effectively in variable zoom scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A variable zoom imaging system with a set of illumination channels, each associated with a focus distance, uses an electronic processor to select and time-multiplex activation of these channels based on object distance, capturing multiple images with different exposure times to generate a wide dynamic range image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple illumination channels are activated simultaneously to provide precise lighting for objects at varying distances, then illumination accuracy is improved, but peak power consumption and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by time-multiplexing the activation of multiple illumination channels. Instead of activating all illumination channels simultaneously, the system activates them sequentially in periodic cycles during the exposure period. This allows the image sensor to integrate light from multiple channels over time while avoiding peak power consumption and electromagnetic interference that would occur with simultaneous activation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple illumination channels are activated simultaneously to provide precise lighting for objects at varying distances, then illumination accuracy is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by time-multiplexing the activation of multiple illumination channels. Instead of activating all illumination channels simultaneously, the system activates them sequentially in periodic cycles during the exposure period. This allows the image sensor to integrate light from multiple channels over time while avoiding peak power consumption and electromagnetic interference that would occur with simultaneous activation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed lens with dedicated monochrome imager is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying distances and zoom levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the illumination function into multiple independent illumination channels, each optimized for specific focus distances. Instead of using a single fixed lens with dedicated monochrome imager, the system segments the illumination into multiple channels that can be selectively activated based on the object distance, enabling adaptability to varying distances while maintaining a color image sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination system adjustable and adaptive. The electronic processor dynamically selects which illumination channels to activate based on the determined object distance, and the system can adjust exposure parameters in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle varying distances and zoom levels effectively.
4Use of energy by moving object
If illumination channels are activated sequentially to reduce power consumption, then peak power consumption is reduced, but image capture time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that the cumulative activation time of illumination channels equals the exposure period. The sequential activation of multiple channels is coordinated so that their combined illumination contribution covers the entire exposure duration, maintaining continuous useful illumination action without gaps. This allows reducing peak power consumption while maintaining effective image capture time.
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 reduces peak power consumption and electromagnetic interference while ensuring accurate illumination and image quality across varying distances, enhancing object recognition capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to capture light reflected from an object of interest
Implementation Method 2
each respective illumination channel of the set of illumination channels includes a set of light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Examples provide a variable zoom imaging system including an image sensor, a set of illumination channels, and a current driver circuitry for driving the set of illumination channels. Each respective illumination channel includes a set of light sources and a lens, and is associated with a respective focus distance. An electronic processor is configured to focus the image sensor to an object of interest, determine a distance from the image sensor to the object of interest, determine an exposure period for the image sensor, select a subset of illumination channels to activate based at least on the distance from the image sensor to the object of interest, and capture a first image of the object of interest using the image sensor by sequentially activating and deactivating each selected illumination channel of the subset for first respective time frames within the exposure period.