Image Capture Apparatus Luminance Blind Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image capturing apparatuses, the frequent adjustment of exposure values to match changing object luminance can lead to unnatural video with frequent brightness changes, especially in HDR video mode, where the increased frequency of exposure control results in an unpleasant viewing experience due to the diaphragm's mechanical driving and potential loss of continuity in image frames.
Innovation Solution
The image capturing apparatus includes a switching unit to operate in modes where the width of the luminance blind zone is set wider in HDR video mode compared to normal video mode, reducing the frequency of exposure control adjustments and maintaining image quality by limiting exposure value changes within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exposure control frequency is increased to match changing object luminance, then exposure accuracy is improved, but video continuity is degraded due to frequent diaphragm mechanical driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the luminance blind zone width based on the operating mode (still image mode vs. video mode). In video mode, a wider luminance blind zone is set to reduce exposure control frequency and maintain continuity, while in still image mode, a narrower luminance blind zone allows for higher exposure accuracy. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the luminance change threshold according to the specific application requirements.
2Measurement precision
If exposure control follows object luminance changes frequently, then exposure precision is improved, but unnatural brightness fluctuations occur in video
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of luminance blind zone width based on the mode of operation. In video mode, a wider luminance blind zone is established to prevent frequent exposure adjustments that would cause unnatural brightness fluctuations, while still maintaining adequate exposure precision for the video application. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the exposure control sensitivity to the specific requirements of video recording.
3Speed
If luminance blind zone width is reduced for better exposure control, then exposure responsiveness is improved, but exposure control frequency increases causing mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by setting different luminance blind zone widths for different modes. In video mode, a wider luminance blind zone reduces exposure control frequency and consequently reduces mechanical wear on the diaphragm, while in still image mode, a narrower luminance blind zone provides faster exposure responsiveness. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between responsiveness and mechanical wear based on the application mode.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit which captures an image of an object and outputs an image, a switching unit which switches modes between a first mode in which the image capturing unit outputs a first image and then outputs a second image having an exposure value different from the first image, and a second mode in which the image capturing unit continuously outputs an image not used for compositing, an exposure control unit which controls an exposure value for capturing an image of an object, following change in object luminance, when a parameter related to change in object luminance exceeds a predetermined range in which an exposure value for capturing an image of the object is not controlled to follow the change in object luminance, and a setting unit which sets the predetermined range.