Triangular Ambient Light Sensor Array for Camera Exposure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambient light sensors in communication and computation devices fail to provide accurate information regarding movement of objects and directionality of light, leading to incorrect shutter exposure times and inability to correctly scan, detect, and interpret local peak detections, affecting camera functionality.
Innovation Solution
The use of two or more ambient light sensors arranged in a triangular pattern beneath the screen of devices like tablets and smartphones to detect movement and direction of light, enabling gesture detection and processing, and controlling their sensitivity and wavelength range to improve camera functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ambient light sensor is used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision of light direction and movement detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light detection function into multiple segments by using three or more ambient light sensors arranged in a triangular pattern. Each sensor detects light intensity independently, and their combined data enables precise determination of light direction and object movement through comparative analysis, thereby achieving high measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection capabilities of multiple ambient light sensors to achieve functions that a single sensor cannot provide. By merging the light intensity measurements from three or more sensors arranged in a triangular pattern, the system can determine both the direction of light sources and the movement of objects, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If ambient light sensor information is used for camera control, then the camera functionality is integrated with existing device sensors, but the shutter exposure timing becomes inaccurate due to inability to detect object movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces object movement detection as an intermediary function between ambient light sensing and camera control. By detecting whether an object is moving across the sensor array, the system can determine if the light intensity changes are due to movement rather than actual light level changes, thereby providing accurate timing information for shutter exposure and resolving the timing accuracy problem while maintaining sensor integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of object movement and light direction changes before triggering camera exposure. By analyzing the temporal and spatial patterns of light intensity changes across multiple sensors, the system can predict optimal shutter timing in advance, ensuring accurate exposure capture while maintaining integration with existing device sensors
3Adaptability or versatility
If ambient light sensor data is used for gesture detection, then the gesture detection capability is added, but the local peak detections cannot be correctly interpreted due to lack of movement detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring light intensity changes across multiple sensors and using this information to distinguish between local and global light variations. The system provides feedback on detected movement patterns and light direction changes, enabling correct interpretation of local peak detections and accurate gesture recognition while maintaining versatile functionality
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 accurate detection of gestures and movement, allowing for correct shutter exposure times and improved camera functionality by providing precise light intensity measurements and directionality information, enhancing the device's ability to differentiate between local and global light changes.
Implementation Method 1
The cameras in these devices typically rely on an ambient light sensor of the device to detect the available light
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to control a camera application executed on a device are described. The system includes two or more ambient light sensors arranged at respective surface locations of the device, each of the two or more ambient light sensors measuring light intensity at the respective surface location. The system also includes a processor to determine an adjustment to the camera application based on information resulting from the light intensity measured at each of the respective surface locations.