Electrochromic Filter Camera for Nighttime Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera systems face challenges in adapting to varying lighting conditions, particularly in nighttime scenarios where infrared and full spectrum light management is inadequate, leading to suboptimal image capture.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus equipped with an electrochromic filter layer that switches between infrared cut-off and full spectrum transmission based on scene analysis, activated by a controller in conjunction with an infrared illuminator, allowing for improved image capture in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an infrared cut filter is used to block infrared light during daytime, then color image quality is improved, but infrared light transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electrochromic filter element that can dynamically change its light transmission properties between different states (clear and colored) based on ambient light conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the filter to block infrared light during daytime for color image quality while transmitting infrared light during nighttime for infrared imaging, thus resolving the contradiction between color image quality and infrared light transmission adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic filter element changes its optical parameters (transmission wavelength range) based on electrical control signals. When activated, it allows full spectrum including infrared (100-1000 nm); when deactivated, it blocks infrared and allows only visible light (380-770 nm). This parameter change capability enables the system to adapt to different lighting conditions and resolve the contradiction between color accuracy and infrared transmission.
2Device complexity
If the camera captures images in low-light conditions without infrared illumination, then the camera structure remains simple, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic filter element serves multiple functions: it acts as an infrared cut filter during daytime, an infrared transmission filter during nighttime, and works in conjunction with the infrared illuminator to enable both color and infrared imaging capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the camera to maintain good image quality in various lighting conditions without requiring completely separate imaging systems, thus balancing device complexity with image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrochromic filter element is activated to allow full spectrum transmission, then infrared imaging capability is improved, but color image accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the electrochromic filter element between activated and deactivated states based on ambient light level detection. In low-light conditions, the filter is activated to allow full spectrum transmission for infrared imaging. In normal lighting conditions, the filter is deactivated to block infrared and ensure color image accuracy. This dynamic state switching resolves the contradiction between infrared imaging capability and color image accuracy.
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
Enables enhanced image capture by dynamically adjusting light transmission based on scene analysis, effectively handling nighttime scenes by allowing a broader spectrum and supplementing with infrared illumination, thereby improving image quality in low-light environments.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic filter element configured to allow light transmission wavelength of 100 nm to 1000 nm in response to being activated and configured to allow light transmission wavelength of 380 nm to 770 nm when deactivated
Data Source
AI summary
A camera apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an image sensor, an electrochromic filter element, an infrared illuminator, and a controller configured to activate at least one from among the electrochromic filter element and the infrared illuminator based on a feature of an image of a scene captured by the image sensor.