Gated Imaging Apparatus Multi-Subject Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in performing appropriate gated imaging when multiple subjects are present, as they struggle to accurately capture images by emitting pulsed light and receiving light for a specific time period, especially when subjects are at different distances.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that includes a light emitting unit, a light reception unit, and an exposure control unit, which performs multiple exposures per pulse emission, with a setting unit that sets the start and end times of exposure based on a predetermined imaging distance range, allowing for precise imaging of multiple subjects by using the timing of pulse emission as a reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subjects at different distances are present, then the imaging system needs to capture all subjects, but conventional gated imaging can only sharply image one subject at a specific distance at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging time period is divided into multiple segmented exposure periods (first exposure period, second exposure period, etc.), each corresponding to a specific distance range. The light reception unit performs exposure at different time segments to capture subjects at different distances separately, then combines them to achieve sharp imaging of multiple subjects simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure control unit dynamically adjusts the exposure timing and duration based on the imaging distance range. By making the exposure parameters dynamic and adaptable to different distance requirements, the system can sharply image multiple subjects at varying distances within the same pulse emission cycle
2Measurement precision
If the light reception unit performs exposure for a specific time period to sharply image one subject, then imaging precision for that subject is improved, but the ability to capture multiple subjects at different distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting unit performs periodic pulse emission, and within each pulse emission cycle, the light reception unit performs multiple periodic exposure actions at different time periods. This periodic structure allows the system to maintain high imaging precision for each subject while capturing multiple subjects sequentially within each cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure control unit ensures continuous useful action by arranging multiple exposure periods back-to-back within each pulse emission cycle. The first exposure period, second exposure period, and subsequent periods continue without interruption, allowing the system to maintain high precision imaging while capturing multiple subjects in a continuous manner
3Adaptability or versatility
If the exposure time is extended to capture subjects at different distances, then the capability to image multiple subjects is improved, but interference from light reflected from fog or other subjects increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single long exposure period that would capture all reflected light including fog, the exposure is segmented into multiple shorter periods. Each exposure period is timed to capture light from a specific distance range, allowing the system to exclude reflected light from fog and other unwanted sources
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure control unit preliminarily determines the optimal exposure timing for each distance range before actual imaging. By calculating and setting the exposure periods in advance based on the imaging distance range, the system can avoid capturing harmful reflected light from fog while maintaining the capability to image subjects at varying distances
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
This solution enables sharp imaging of multiple subjects by controlling the exposure times to avoid interference from light reflected from fog or other subjects, allowing for clear capture of images even when subjects are at varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit that performs pulse emission
Implementation Method 2
a light reception unit that receives light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus and an electronic apparatus that are capable of receiving light a plurality of times temporally per pulse emission. After instructing a light emitting unit to perform pulse emission, a control unit instructs an image sensor to start exposure at a time T11=(2×D11)/c, finish exposure at a time T21=(2×D21)/c, start exposure at a time T12=(2×D12)/c, finish exposure at a time T22=(2×D22)/c, start exposure at a time T13=(2×D13)/c, and finish exposure at a time T21=(2×D23)/c. The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a gated imaging apparatus that is an apparatus that emits pulsed light and performs imaging for only a specific time period.