Webcam Illuminator with Diffuser and Reflector for Shadow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Poor lighting from webcams leads to unflattering facial appearances during online viewing, as it results in harsh shadows and highlights facial imperfections, making individuals appear less attractive than they do in person.
Innovation Solution
A webcam illuminator device providing diffuse illumination, featuring a bulb with a toroidal or spherical shape, surrounded by a reflector, and adjustable for optimal placement, which can be embedded in a monitor screen or placed on a surface, using a diffusion cover to scatter light and minimize shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a webcam is used for online viewing, then communication convenience is improved, but lighting quality deteriorates causing harsh shadows and unflattering appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator device is integrated with the webcam assembly, combining the lighting function with the imaging function into a single unified device. The illuminator housing contains both the light source and the webcam, allowing them to work together as one system for optimal lighting and image capture
Solution Approach 2:
A diffuser panel is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the subject. This diffuser panel scatters the light to create soft, flattering illumination that eliminates harsh shadows while maintaining even coverage across the subject's face
2Illumination intensity
If direct light is used to illuminate the face, then illumination intensity is improved, but shadow harshness increases making appearance less attractive
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser panel is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the subject. This diffuser panel scatters the light to create soft, flattering illumination that eliminates harsh shadows while maintaining even coverage across the subject's face
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser panel is implemented as a thin, translucent film or panel that transforms the characteristics of the light passing through it. This thin film diffuses the direct light into soft, directional illumination that maintains intensity while reducing shadow harshness
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are added to improve lighting quality, then illumination evenness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator employs multiple separate light sources arranged in an array within the housing. Each light source is independently positioned to illuminate different areas of the subject's face, creating even coverage without requiring complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light sources are integrated into a single illuminator housing that also contains the webcam. This merging of multiple functional elements into one compact unit achieves even illumination without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 device ensures a flattering, aesthetically pleasing appearance by simulating natural light, reducing shadows and enhancing facial features, improving the resolution and contrast of webcam images, and making users appear more attractive during online communications.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector operatively associated with the bulb for projecting the emitted light
Implementation Method 2
The present disclosure also provides for an illuminator device for the face of the user viewed through a webcam, in which the illuminator device is covered by a diffusion cover to provide diffuse light to the face of the user
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminator device for illuminating one or more users in front web camera and a communication terminal having a bulb for emitting light; a reflector operatively associated with the bulb for projecting the emitted light; and an arm disposed between the bulb and the terminal for connection to the terminal are provided. The bulb is positionable relative to the web camera to provide optimal viewing of the user through the web camera. An illuminator device for illuminating one or more users in front of a webcamera and a communications terminal having a frame and a screen having a plurality of bulbs, wherein the plurality of bulbs are disposed in the frame of the terminal to provide illumination to the face or faces of the users.