Triangular Ambient Light Sensor Array for Camera Gesture Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ambient light sensors in communication and computation devices fail to accurately detect movement of objects and directionality of light, leading to incorrect shutter exposure times and inability to scan, detect, and interpret local peak detections correctly, affecting camera functionality.

Innovation Solution

The use of two or more ambient light sensors arranged in a triangular pattern to detect movement and direction of light, enabling gesture detection and processing to recognize temporary or local events, thereby improving camera functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single ambient light sensor is used to control camera functionality, then the device structure remains simple, but the accuracy of light detection and shutter exposure time control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light detection function into multiple segments by using two or more ambient light sensors arranged in a triangular pattern. Each sensor captures light from a different spatial position, and the processor integrates these segmented measurements to calculate accurate shutter exposure time and determine light directionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-point light detection to multi-point spatial detection by arranging sensors in a triangular pattern. This dimensional expansion allows the system to not only measure light intensity more accurately but also determine the directionality of light sources, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through geometric arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If ambient light sensor information is used for camera control, then camera functionality is enabled, but incorrect shutter exposure time occurs due to inaccurate light detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera control accuracyVSAvoidlight intensity measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously receives light intensity measurements from multiple ambient light sensors, calculates the appropriate shutter exposure time based on these measurements, and adjusts the camera shutter accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable camera control by constantly monitoring light conditions and adjusting exposure parameters in real-time, thereby improving both reliability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ambient light sensors are used, then device manufacturing remains simple, but the ability to detect object movement and gesture detection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the ambient light sensor system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: traditional light intensity measurement for camera exposure control and new gesture detection capabilities through movement analysis. The triangular arrangement of sensors allows the same hardware to detect both static light conditions and dynamic object movements, achieving multi-functionality without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the ambient light sensors by analyzing not only light intensity but also temporal variations in light patterns. By monitoring changes in light intensity over time across multiple sensor positions, the system can detect object movements and gestures, thereby expanding functionality while managing processing complexity through algorithmic approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for accurate detection of gestures and adjustment of camera settings, enhancing the camera's ability to capture images by providing precise light intensity measurements and directionality information, thus improving exposure times and overall camera performance.

Implementation Method 1

The cameras in these devices typically rely on an ambient light sensor of the device to detect the available light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2821852B1Camera control using ambient light sensors
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2821852B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2821852B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2821852B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (100) and method to control a camera application executed on the device (100). The device (100) includes two or more ambient light sensors (110) arranged at respective surface locations of the device (100), each of the two or more ambient light sensors (110) measuring light intensity at the respective surface location and a processor (801) to determine an adjustment to the camera application based on information resulting from the light intensity measured at each of the respective surface locations.