Image Pickup Apparatus Noise Control via Dynamic Actuator Driver Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image pickup apparatuses face noise interference from actuator driving, leading to deteriorated image quality due to power inefficiencies and noise superimposition, particularly when using pulse width modulation (PWM) control methods.

Innovation Solution

An image pickup apparatus and lens system that includes a driver, a noise source acquirer, and a controller to determine and switch between control methods based on noise source information, switching from PWM to linear control when noise sources are close to the image sensor to reduce noise and ensure proper actuator driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If PWM control method is used to drive the actuator, then power consumption is reduced, but noise is generated that deteriorates image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between PWM control method and linear control method based on the operational state. During exposure when image quality is critical, linear control is used to minimize noise. During non-exposure when power saving is prioritized, PWM control is used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the optimal control method for each context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter (control method) based on the operational state. The controller switches between PWM and linear control methods depending on whether the camera is in exposure or non-exposure mode, thereby optimizing both power consumption and noise generation according to the current operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If linear control method is used during exposure to suppress noises, then image quality is improved, but power loss increases and actuator may not be properly driven

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the control method based on the operational phase. During exposure, linear control is used to minimize noise impact on image quality. During non-exposure, PWM control is used to reduce power consumption. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize for different priorities in different contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic switching between control methods based on the exposure cycle. Linear control is applied during the exposure period when noise suppression is critical, and PWM control is applied during non-exposure periods when power saving is the priority, creating a periodic optimization pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If PWM control method is used during non-exposure to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but noise is generated that can affect image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically selects the control method based on the operational state. During non-exposure when power saving is the primary concern, PWM control is used. During exposure when image quality is the primary concern, linear control is used. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for the most critical requirement at each moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11914215B2Image pickup apparatus, lens apparatus, and camera system
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 CANON KK
  • US11914215B2 patent drawing
  • US11914215B2 patent drawing
  • US11914215B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image pickup apparatus communicably mountable with a lens apparatus including a driver configured to drive a driven member includes an acquirer configured to acquire information on a noise source, and a determiner configured to determine a control over the driver using the information on the noise source.