Hybrid Viewfinder Light Shielding for Ambient Brightness Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The visibility of images displayed on a hybrid viewfinder (HVF) can be affected by varying light intensities in different imaging environments, making it difficult to see both the optical and captured images clearly, especially in bright outdoor conditions.
Innovation Solution
An observation apparatus with a light shielding mechanism that adjusts its light shielding rate based on ambient light intensity, allowing for controlled visibility of both optical and captured images, and includes features like gradation correction and marker preference to enhance image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the brightness of the captured image is increased to improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions, then the visibility of the captured image improves, but the optical image becomes harder to see due to excessive brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into distinct regions: a first optical region where the captured image is displayed and a second optical region where the optical image is observed. Correspondingly, the light shielding mechanism is divided into a first light shielding region and a second light shielding region, allowing independent control of light shielding rates for each region. This segmentation enables the captured image to be brightened in the first region while maintaining optical image visibility in the second region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different light shielding rates to different regions of the optical path. The first light shielding region has a first light shielding rate optimized for displaying the captured image, while the second light shielding region has a second light shielding rate optimized for observing the optical image. This local quality approach allows each region to have its brightness characteristics tailored to its specific function, resolving the contradiction between captured image brightness and optical image visibility.
2Ease of operation
If a light shielding mechanism is added to control brightness, then visibility of both images can be balanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls the brightness of the captured image display in the first optical region, maintains the visibility of the optical image in the second optical region, and can be controlled based on ambient light intensity. By making this single mechanism multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate control systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive visibility control.
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
Improves visibility of images by balancing brightness levels and adjusting light shielding rates, ensuring clear observation of both optical and captured images regardless of ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light shielding mechanism of which a light shielding rate is variable by an electrical signal... control processing of controlling light shielding rates of the first light shielding region and of the second light shielding region based on an intensity of ambient light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an observation apparatus capable of adjusting visibility of an image and of an optical image of a subject in consideration of an intensity of ambient light in a case where the image is displayed by being superimposed on the optical image. The observation apparatus (30) includes an optical system (32), a display mechanism (34) that displays an image based on a signal generated by an imaging element (20), and a light shielding mechanism (36) of which a light shielding rate is variable, and the optical image has a first optical region (OP1) and a second optical region (OP2). The display mechanism (34) superimposes the image on the first optical region (OP1) to display both the image and the optical image in an observable manner by a user. The light shielding mechanism (36) is disposed in an optical path between the subject and the display mechanism (34) and has a first light shielding region (36a) to be superimposed on the first optical region (OP1) and a second light shielding region (36b) to be superimposed on the second optical region (OP2). Control processing of controlling light shielding rates of the first light shielding region (36a) and of the second light shielding region (36b) based on the intensity of the ambient light is executed by the control unit (40) with respect to the light shielding mechanism (36).