Digital Camera Dust Detection via Inverted Cleaning Image
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras face image quality degradation due to dust particles attaching to the image sensor, which are difficult to correct if numerous or large, especially in cameras with detachable lenses, as they can block light and reduce image quality.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera system that creates a cleaning image to help users locate and remove dust particles from the image sensor by displaying an inverted image on the display, allowing precise identification and maintenance of the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pixel data correction is used to remove dust particles, then small dust particles can be corrected, but large or numerous dust particles cannot be corrected and degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a cleaning image that copies the sensor surface appearance, allowing users to visually inspect and identify dust particle locations. This copying approach enables users to manually clean dust particles that cannot be corrected by software, thereby maintaining image quality even when correction methods fail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is detachable to provide versatility, then adaptability is improved, but dust particles can enter the mirror box and attach to the image sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform self-maintenance by providing a cleaning image display function. Users can visually identify dust particles on the sensor and clean them themselves, eliminating the need for professional service centers and enabling immediate correction of contamination issues.
3Reliability
If movable elements are added to the mirror box for photographing function, then imaging capability is improved, but dust particles are generated between supports and movable elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary inspection by displaying a cleaning image before actual photographing. This allows users to identify and remove dust particles in advance, preventing them from appearing in subsequent photographs and eliminating the need for repeated shooting and correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera has an image-capturing device, an image processor, and a display. The image-capturing device creates a cleaning image which is used for pinpointing dust particles attached to an image sensor. The image processor creates an inverted cleaning image so that the top and bottom of a subject image provided on the image sensor match the top and bottom of a subject image included in the cleaning image. The display displays the inverted cleaning image.