Image Capture Device Sensitivity Control for Battery Conservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras with stroboscope image capturing functions consume battery life excessively due to high ISO sensitivity settings, which affect image brightness and battery longevity.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with a brightness detector and controller system that adjusts ISO sensitivity based on object brightness, disabling and enabling the light source to minimize battery usage while maintaining adequate image brightness, using a light source, image capture unit, brightness detector, first and second controllers, and an amplifier to set and adjust sensitivity accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high ISO sensitivity is set for image capturing, then image brightness is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensitivity adjustment where the image capture device automatically changes ISO sensitivity based on detected object brightness. The controller monitors brightness levels and adjusts sensitivity in real-time, transitioning from high sensitivity for bright objects to lower sensitivity for dark objects, thereby optimizing battery consumption while maintaining adequate image brightness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensitivity parameter (ISO setting) based on object brightness conditions. By detecting brightness levels and adjusting the amplification factor accordingly, the system adapts the sensitivity parameter to match lighting conditions, reducing unnecessary high sensitivity usage and associated battery consumption
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is enabled for image capturing, then image brightness is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively enabling the light source (stroboscope) only when and where needed - specifically when object brightness falls below a predetermined threshold. For sufficiently bright objects, the light source remains disabled, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining image quality
3Duration of action of stationary object
If automatic sensitivity adjustment is implemented, then battery life is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the brightness detector continuously monitors object brightness and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts sensitivity and light source operation based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes battery life through adaptive sensitivity adjustment
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
The solution effectively reduces battery consumption by dynamically adjusting ISO sensitivity and light source operation based on object brightness, ensuring optimal image capture while prolonging battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a brightness detector which detecting a brightness of an object
Implementation Method 2
an amplifier which amplifies the image signal output form the image capture unit by an amplifying factor according to the sensitivity set by one of the first and second controllers
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device includes a light source, an image capture unit, a brightness detector, an object distance obtaining unit which obtains an object distance to the object, first and second controllers, and an amplifier which amplifies an image signal output from the image capture unit by an amplifying factor according to a sensitivity set by one of the first and second controllers. The first controller disables the light source and sets a sensitivity which is in accordance with the brightness of the object and which is lower than a predetermined sensitivity. The second controller enables the light source and sets a sensitivity which is lower than the predetermined sensitivity. The second controller includes a sensitivity obtaining unit which obtains a sensitivity according to the object distance and a maximum amount of light emitted from the light source, and a setting unit which sets the obtained sensitivity.