Image Sensor Orientation Control for Remote Dust Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging apparatuses with panning/tilting mechanisms, users face difficulty in intuitively determining the direction of the imaging plane to remove foreign substances adhering to the image pickup element, especially when manipulating the apparatus from a distant location.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a rotary drive unit to rotate the imaging unit in horizontal and vertical directions, an image pickup element vibration unit to vibrate the element, and a control unit to adjust the imaging plane to a predetermined angle with respect to the gravitational direction, combined with an image pickup element vibration unit to remove foreign substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging apparatus is operated remotely through remote manipulation, then the imaging apparatus can be controlled from a distant location, but the user has difficulty in intuitively determining the direction of the imaging plane and appropriately removing foreign substances
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides visual feedback by displaying the captured image on a display unit, which shows the orientation and direction of the imaging plane. This allows the remote operator to intuitively determine the imaging plane direction by observing the displayed image, thereby resolving the difficulty of remote manipulation without direct visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit acts as an intermediary between the remote operator and the imaging plane orientation. By displaying the captured image, it mediates the operator's understanding of the imaging plane direction, enabling intuitive control and foreign substance removal decisions without direct visual access to the imaging plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging unit is rotated to capture images in desired directions, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the complexity of controlling the rotation mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls both the panning/tilting mechanism for imaging direction adjustment and the image pickup element vibration unit for foreign substance removal. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic in a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit merges the control of rotation mechanisms and vibration mechanisms into a single integrated control system. By combining these control functions, the system reduces operational complexity and enables coordinated operation of multiple components through unified control logic.
3Productivity
If the image pickup element is vibrated to remove foreign substances, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging the imaging plane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image pickup element vibration unit applies periodic vibrations at controlled frequencies and durations to remove foreign substances. This periodic action is sufficient for cleaning while minimizing cumulative stress on the imaging plane, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving productivity goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration is applied partially - only when foreign substances are detected and only for the minimum necessary duration and intensity. This partial action approach achieves effective cleaning while avoiding excessive vibration that could damage the imaging plane, thus balancing productivity and reliability.
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 enables automatic adjustment of the imaging plane direction without manual operation, allowing efficient removal of imaging plane foreign substances.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup element vibration unit configured to vibrate the image pickup element to remove a foreign substance adhering to an imaging plane of the image pickup element
Implementation Method 2
a control unit configured to control the image pickup element vibration unit to operate in a state where the imaging unit is rotated by the rotary drive unit so that the imaging plane of the image pickup element is at a predetermined angle with respect to a gravitational direction
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit including an image pickup element, a rotary drive unit configured to rotate the imaging unit in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction, an image pickup element vibration unit configured to vibrate the image pickup element to remove a foreign substance adhering to an imaging plane of the image pickup element, and a control unit configured to control the image pickup element vibration unit to operate in a state where the imaging unit is rotated by the rotary drive unit so that the imaging plane of the image pickup element is at a predetermined angle with respect to a gravitational direction.