METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ADJUSTING BRIGHTNESS OF A LIGHT SOURCE
First Claim
1. A device, comprising:
- a control circuit configured to adjust the brightness of a light source between a first brightness and a second brightness by switching between a first current gain and a second current gain that is greater than the first current gain, the light source having a variable brightness that ranges between the first brightness and the second brightness, the second brightness being greater than the first brightness, and the first current gain corresponding to a first range of brightness of the light source that extends between the first brightness to a first intermediate brightness that is between the first and second brightnesses, and the second current gain corresponding to a second range of brightness of the light source that extends between the second brightness and a second intermediate brightness that is between the first brightness and the first intermediate brightness.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for adjusting brightness of a light source. In general, the devices and methods can allow brightness of a light source to be adjusted by varying a power supply of the light source. The power supply can be varied in response to a user input. In one exemplary embodiment, the light source can be included as part of a scope, e.g., a borescope, an endoscope, etc., configured to be advanced into a target and to gather one or more video images and/or one or more still images within the target using a camera. The light source can be configured to illuminate the target at a selected one of the variable amounts of brightness. A white balance of the light source can be configured to automatically adjust in response to the selected amount of brightness.
30 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device, comprising:
a control circuit configured to adjust the brightness of a light source between a first brightness and a second brightness by switching between a first current gain and a second current gain that is greater than the first current gain, the light source having a variable brightness that ranges between the first brightness and the second brightness, the second brightness being greater than the first brightness, and the first current gain corresponding to a first range of brightness of the light source that extends between the first brightness to a first intermediate brightness that is between the first and second brightnesses, and the second current gain corresponding to a second range of brightness of the light source that extends between the second brightness and a second intermediate brightness that is between the first brightness and the first intermediate brightness. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A device, comprising:
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a light source configured to emit light at a variably adjustable brightness; a light source brightness control element configured to receive an input from a user indicating a desired level of the brightness; and a controller configured to adjust the brightness by selecting, in response to the input, one of first and second feedback gains to control a power supply to the light source, the first gain being less than the second gain. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method, comprising:
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receiving a user input regarding a device advanced into a target and illuminating with a light source one or more internal components of the target, the user input indicating a desired level of brightness of the light source; and adjusting, in response to the user input, a power supply of the light source by changing a current of the power supply such that the brightness of the light source is adjusted, a gain controlling the power supply being changed from a first gain to a second gain that is greater than the first gain when the current is adjusted to exceed a first predetermined threshold current, and the gain being changed from the second gain to the first gain when the current is adjusted to be less than a second predetermined threshold current that is greater than the first predetermined threshold current. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification