Apodization Filter Exposure Control for Shutter Speed and Blur Trade-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in automatically adjusting aperture and shutter speed when using apodization filters, leading to potential blurring issues due to the insertion or removal of these filters, particularly when combined with neutral density filters, which can result in delayed shutter speeds and reduced dimming effects.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus comprising an imaging element, a stop, a photometric section, an apodization filter, a program diagram storage section, a neutral density filter, and a control section that selects between different program diagrams based on the presence of the apodization filter and calculates optimal aperture and shutter speed settings, with the neutral density filter being inserted only when the exposure exceeds a specific threshold to maintain a wider range of open aperture values and reduce blurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the neutral density filter is inserted to increase the range of open aperture values, then the aperture value can be maintained at open aperture, but the shutter speed is uniformly delayed causing blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the aperture value parameter based on the presence of the apodization filter. When the apodization filter is detected, the system switches from a normal program diagram to an APD-specific program diagram, which adjusts the aperture value to prioritize open aperture settings. This parameter change allows the system to maintain open aperture values with the APD filter while compensating for the shutter speed delay through programmatic exposure adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the aperture value is fixed at open aperture value in the second program diagram, then beautiful blurring is achieved, but the shutter speed increases causing flickering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes in the second program diagram by fixing the aperture value at the open aperture value when the apodization filter is present. This forces the system to use the maximum aperture opening, which creates the desired beautiful blurring effect in the background. The program diagram is specifically designed to accept this parameter fixation, allowing the aperture to remain open while managing exposure through other means in the program logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different program diagrams based on the presence of the apodization filter. When the filter is inserted, the system transitions to the second program diagram which has different parameter settings optimized for APD filter operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for beautiful blurring when needed while avoiding flickering issues in normal operation by using the first program diagram.
3Manufacturing precision
If the apodization filter is inserted to achieve beautiful blurring, then peripheral light is decreased in blurred images, but the shutter speed is delayed due to reduced light amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching to a specialized program diagram that accounts for the light reduction caused by the apodization filter. This program diagram adjusts the exposure parameters to compensate for the filter's light-blocking effect, allowing the system to maintain appropriate shutter speeds even when the APD filter reduces the overall light amount reaching the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that detects the presence of the apodization filter and mediates between the filter's light-reducing effect and the camera's exposure settings. By automatically switching program diagrams based on filter presence, the control unit balances the beautiful blurring effect with adequate shutter speed, preventing the uniform delay that would otherwise occur.
4Reliability
If the first program diagram is used without apodization filter, then normal exposure is achieved, but switching between program diagrams requires user operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the presence or absence of the apodization filter and autonomously switching between program diagrams without requiring user intervention. The control unit monitors the optical path for the filter and automatically selects the appropriate program diagram, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating the need for manual program switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring whether the apodization filter is present in the optical path and using this information to automatically select the appropriate program diagram. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct exposure program is always active based on the current optical configuration, maintaining reliable exposure while eliminating manual switching requirements.
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 a broader range of open aperture values while minimizing blurring by dynamically adjusting aperture and shutter speed settings, ensuring effective dimming and apodization effects even when the apodization filter is in use, thereby enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that photoelectrically converts incident light so as to output an imaging signal
Implementation Method 2
The APD filter has an optical characteristic that light transmittance is lower at a position farther from the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
a neutral density filter that is inserted into or removed from the optical path
Data Source
AI summary
The imaging apparatus includes a stop, an APD filter, a ND filter, an imaging element, a main control section, a photometric section, a program diagram storage section, and an imaging exposure determination section. The ND filter can be inserted into or removed from the optical path. The photometric section calculates a photometric value from an imaging signal which is obtained by the imaging element. The program diagram storage section stores a program diagram in which an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a specific amount of exposure or less. The imaging exposure determination section determines imaging exposure on the basis of an amount of imaging exposure which is calculated from photometric value and the program diagram. The main control section inserts the ND filter in the optical path in a case where the amount of imaging exposure is greater than the specific amount of exposure.