Image Pickup Apparatus Electrochromic Charge Imbalance Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses using organic electrochromic elements face challenges in suppressing achromatic defects caused by charge imbalance, particularly in solution-type EC elements, where optical detection methods are limited and voltage-based methods from fixed-type EC elements are not applicable.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a solution-type EC element that includes a first and second electrode and an electrochromic layer with anodic and cathodic redox substances dissolved in a solvent, allowing for electrical detection of charge imbalance current and subsequent image processing to compensate for achromatic defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical method is used to detect achromatic defect, then detection can be performed, but light source and photographic subject serving as references are required, limiting implementation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection method with an electrical detection method. Instead of using light sources and photographic subjects to detect achromatic defects optically, the invention measures the current flowing between the first and second electrodes electrically. This substitution eliminates the need for external optical references and enables detection under various implementation conditions, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If voltage-based detection method from fixed-type EC elements is used, then achromatic defect can be detected by voltage measurement, but this method cannot be applied to solution-type EC elements where no voltage is generated between electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from voltage (used in fixed-type EC elements) to current (used in solution-type EC elements). Since solution-type EC elements do not generate voltage between electrodes like fixed-type elements, the invention measures the current flowing between electrodes instead. This parameter change enables the detection method to be adapted to solution-type EC elements while maintaining detection capability, resolving the technical contradiction.
3Duration of action of moving object
If EC element remains in chromatic state for extended period, then electrochromic function is maintained, but charge imbalance occurs causing achromatic defects such as color change and transmittance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the current flowing between the first and second electrodes. When charge imbalance occurs during extended operation in the chromatic state, the current measurement detects this condition. The control unit then performs image processing to compensate for the achromatic defect, allowing the EC element to maintain its electrochromic function for extended periods while suppressing image quality degradation through active feedback 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
Enables effective suppression of achromatic defects by detecting charge imbalance current and performing image processing to compensate for light absorption issues, improving image quality without requiring external references or altering the EC element's characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
an organic EC element, an organic EC compound, which is a compound having characteristics of changing the optical characteristics (absorption wavelength and absorbance) of a substance by electrochemical redox reaction
Implementation Method 2
an organic EC compound, which is a compound having characteristics of changing the optical characteristics (absorption wavelength and absorbance) of a substance by electrochemical redox reaction
Implementation Method 3
performs image processing based on the current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode when a voltage lower than a voltage that generates a substantial change in the transmittance of the electrochromic layer is applied
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus including an electrochromic element, wherein the electrochromic element includes a complementary-type EC layer including a solvent and an anodic redox substance and a cathodic redox substance dissolved in the solvent, and image processing is performed based on a charge imbalance current flowing between a first electrode and a second electrode when a voltage lower than the voltage causing a substantial change in the transmittance of the EC layer is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.