Camera Control Device Managing Image Sensor Deterioration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera technologies, particularly those using SPAD sensors, do not adequately account for deterioration in image capturing elements, leading to increased dark currents and direct current resistances over time, which affects exposure control and image quality in low-illumination conditions.
Innovation Solution
A camera control device that estimates the deterioration degree of image capturing elements and adjusts exposure parameters, such as shutter speed, aperture, and gain, to ensure the amount of exposure remains within a predetermined limit, using a processor and memory to execute instructions for controlling these parameters based on measured luminance and deterioration conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exposure control is performed without considering deterioration in the image capturing element, then the camera can operate simply, but the image quality deteriorates over time due to increased dark currents and direct current resistances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera control device continuously monitors image quality parameters (luminance, noise levels) and adjusts exposure control parameters (shutter speed, aperture, gain) based on the measured deterioration degree of the image capturing element. This closed-loop control ensures that image quality remains stable despite aging effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary estimation of the deterioration degree using reference images and pre-stored characteristic data before actual photography operations. By predicting the deterioration state in advance, the system can proactively adjust exposure parameters to prevent quality degradation rather than reacting after deterioration occurs.
2Illumination intensity
If the amount of exposure to the image capturing element is increased to compensate for deterioration, then image brightness is maintained, but the deterioration accelerates due to higher dark currents and direct current resistances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes multiple exposure control parameters (shutter speed, aperture value, gain) in a coordinated manner based on the estimated deterioration degree. Rather than simply increasing exposure, the system optimizes the combination of parameters to achieve the required image brightness while minimizing the total exposure dose to the image capturing element, thereby preventing acceleration of deterioration.
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 effectively curbs deterioration in image capturing elements by adjusting exposure settings, maintaining image quality and reducing the impact of increased dark currents and direct current resistances, thereby improving performance in low-illumination conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing element converting an image of a subject into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A camera control device estimates a deterioration degree indicating a degree of deterioration in an image capturing element converting an image of a subject into an electrical signal, and controls parameters related to an amount of exposure to the image capturing element such that the amount of exposure to the image capturing element becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount of exposure when the deterioration degree satisfies a predetermined condition.