Temperature Detecting Unit for Image Sensor Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing apparatuses, such as digital cameras, face challenges in managing image sensor temperature, leading to image quality degradation during still image capture due to abrupt termination of live view display when the temperature reaches a certain threshold, which can hinder moving image capture opportunities.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing apparatus with a temperature detecting unit and a control unit that displays progressive warnings based on multiple temperature thresholds, allowing users to continue capturing moving images even when still image quality degradation occurs, by differentiating temperature ranges and adjusting live view display accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If live view display is stopped when the temperature of the image sensor reaches a predetermined temperature to prevent image quality degradation in still images, then image quality in still images is improved, but the user cannot capture moving images or use the electronic viewfinder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality in still imagesVSAvoidability to capture moving images and use electronic viewfinder

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature threshold is segmented into multiple levels (first threshold and second threshold). When the temperature exceeds the first threshold, a warning indication is displayed to alert the user. When the temperature exceeds the second threshold (which is higher than the first), live view display is stopped. This segmentation allows the system to provide graduated responses based on temperature severity, enabling users to continue using the electronic viewfinder for moving image capture below the second threshold while still protecting still image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of temperature threshold values to differentiate between still image capture and moving image capture conditions. By setting distinct threshold levels, the system adapts its behavior based on the specific imaging mode, allowing flexible operation across different temperature conditions while maintaining image quality where critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If live view display is stopped at a predetermined temperature to prevent image quality degradation, then image quality is improved, but usability and operational flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidusability of electronic viewfinder

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by displaying a warning indication before actually stopping live view display. When the temperature exceeds the first threshold, the system alerts the user in advance, giving them opportunity to take action (such as stopping still image capture or allowing temperature to decrease) before the more severe consequence of live view termination occurs. This preliminary warning maintains ease of operation by allowing continued use below the second threshold.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If a single temperature threshold is used to stop live view display, then image quality degradation is prevented, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate different imaging modes with different noise tolerance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidaccommodation of different imaging modes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by setting different temperature threshold levels for different imaging scenarios. The first threshold is optimized for still image quality protection, while the second threshold (higher than the first) allows moving image capture with acceptable noise levels. This localized differentiation of threshold values enables the system to optimize for specific imaging modes rather than applying a uniform constraint across all operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 users to capture images without noticeable quality degradation by providing step-by-step temperature warnings and controlling live view display, allowing for continued operation within acceptable noise levels for moving image capture.

Implementation Method 1

a detecting unit configured to detect a temperature of the image capturing unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8749689B2Detecting unit configured to detect temperature of image capturing unit

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 CANON KK

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus has a plurality of predetermined temperatures to be compared with the temperature of an image sensor. Every time a detected temperature of the image sensor exceeds one of the plurality of temperatures, a different predetermined indication corresponding to the predetermined temperature is displayed on a display device together with an image signal output from the image sensor, thereby giving a warning to the user.