Band-Light Imaging Filter Switching for Low-Light Image Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging technologies often result in insufficient light amounts for images obtained from selected band light, leading to suboptimal image quality.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with an optical element that extracts multiple band lights, a photoelectric conversion device to image these band lights, and a processor that selects and optimizes the imaging conditions based on field of view and subject distance to maximize light input to the conversion device, along with a switching mechanism for optical filters to adjust to specific wavelengths and correct image-forming deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical filters are used to extract specific band light, then spectral selectivity is improved, but light amount reaching the imaging device decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral selectivityVSAvoidlight amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a switching mechanism that dynamically selects different optical filters based on imaging conditions (field of view, subject distance). This allows the system to adapt between spectral selectivity and light amount requirements rather than being fixed to a single filter configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes optical parameters by switching between multiple filters with different transmission characteristics. The control unit adjusts which filter is active based on imaging parameters, effectively changing the optical system's spectral transmission properties to optimize for either selectivity or light amount depending on conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple optical filters are switched based on imaging conditions, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidfilter switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it determines imaging conditions, selects appropriate filters, and controls the switching mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving high image quality through conditional filter selection.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If filter switching is performed to optimize for different field of view and subject distance, then imaging adaptability is improved, but response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging adaptabilityVSAvoidfilter switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit proactively determines imaging conditions (field of view, subject distance) and pre-selects the appropriate filter before imaging begins. This preliminary action ensures that the correct filter is already in place when imaging starts, minimizing delays and reducing the impact of switching time on overall response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution ensures optimal light input and image quality by selecting and adjusting filters based on field of view and subject distance, enhancing image clarity and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an optical element that extracts a plurality of pieces of band light from incident light incident on an optical system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

a photoelectric conversion device capable of imaging the plurality of pieces of band light extracted from the incident light by the optical element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12489974B2Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.12.02 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US12489974B2 patent drawing
  • US12489974B2 patent drawing
  • US12489974B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An imaging apparatus includes an optical element that extracts a plurality of pieces of band light from incident light incident on an optical system, a photoelectric conversion device capable of imaging the plurality of pieces of band light extracted from the incident light by the optical element, and a processor that outputs image data obtained by imaging band light, among the plurality of pieces of band light, selected according to an imaging condition determined based on a field of view by the photoelectric conversion device.