Camera IR Filter Verification Using Acoustic Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the movement of infrared (IR) filters in camera assemblies are either expensive or computationally intensive, and alternative approaches are undesirable due to space constraints or inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly system that uses a microphone to capture audio data during the attempted movement of an IR filter, analyzing the audio to determine if the filter has successfully moved, thereby eliminating the need for physical switches or intensive computations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical switches or intensive computations are used to detect IR filter movement, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection systems (physical switches) with an acoustic field-based detection system. The microphone captures sound waves generated by the IR filter movement, and the controller analyzes these acoustic signals to determine movement status, eliminating the need for mechanical contacts and reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound waves as an intermediary medium to detect IR filter movement. Instead of direct mechanical contact or complex computational analysis, the system uses the acoustic field generated by the moving filter as an intermediary signal that the microphone can capture and the controller can interpret, simplifying the overall detection mechanism
2Measurement precision
If physical switches are used to detect IR filter movement, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a microphone, which is a relatively inexpensive component, to detect IR filter movement through acoustic signals. This replaces expensive physical switches and complex computational systems, achieving cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining adequate detection accuracy through acoustic field analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical switches with an acoustic detection system using a microphone and signal processing, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection accuracy through the analysis of sound waves generated by the moving filter
3Reliability
If intensive computations are used to detect IR filter movement, then detection reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intensive computational systems with an acoustic field-based detection system. The microphone captures sound waves, and the controller analyzes these acoustic signals to determine filter movement, significantly reducing the computational energy required compared to complex image processing or multiple sensor readings
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
Provides a cost-effective and space-efficient method to detect IR filter movement, ensuring accurate operation in various lighting conditions without additional hardware or computational overhead.
Implementation Method 1
capturing, via the microphone, audio data
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an example method can be used with a camera assembly comprising a movable component, a triggering mechanism, and a microphone. The method includes causing the triggering mechanism to attempt to move the movable component; proximate a time point of the attempt to move the movable component, capturing, via the microphone, audio data; determining whether the captured audio data satisfies a condition; and in response to determining whether the captured audio data satisfies the condition, performing an action related to the moveable component and/or the triggering mechanism.