Image-taking Apparatus Gain Threshold Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-taking apparatuses struggle to correctly switch between color and monochrome modes when a maximum gain value is set, as existing systems fail to appropriately adjust the switching threshold value in response to the gain setting, leading to suboptimal image quality and loss of color balance under low illumination.
Innovation Solution
An image-taking apparatus with a gain control unit, image data generation unit, switching unit, maximum gain setting unit, switching evaluation value calculation unit, and threshold value correction unit, which calculates and adjusts the switching threshold value based on the set maximum gain value to optimize mode switching between color and monochrome outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the maximum gain value is set larger to improve sensitivity under low illumination, then the switching threshold value becomes inappropriate, but the mode switching accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the switching threshold value based on the maximum gain value setting. When the maximum gain value changes, the switching threshold value is recalibrated to maintain accurate mode switching decisions. This parameter coupling ensures that sensitivity improvements from higher gain settings do not compromise the accuracy of determining when to switch between color and monochrome modes.
2Device complexity
If the switching threshold value is not adjusted according to maximum gain value, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality under low illumination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism where the switching threshold value automatically adapts to the maximum gain value setting. This dynamic adjustment ensures that image quality is maintained across different gain configurations without requiring complex manual calibration or multiple fixed threshold tables, achieving a balance between control simplicity and image quality reliability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the maximum gain value is set smaller to reduce noise, then the sensitivity decreases, but the mode switching determination becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent couples the switching threshold value with the maximum gain value setting, ensuring that even when noise is reduced through lower gain settings, the mode switching determination remains accurate. The threshold value is recalibrated according to the gain setting, maintaining proper sensitivity to luminance changes for mode switching decisions while respecting the noise constraints imposed by the gain limit.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-taking apparatus changes a switching threshold value for switching between a color mode and a monochrome mode according to a maximum gain value set by a maximum gain setting unit so that switching between the color and monochrome modes can be optimally performed regardless of setting of the maximum gain value. The image-taking apparatus includes a threshold value correction unit configured to correct the switching threshold value according to the maximum gain value. The threshold value correction unit sets the switching threshold value with the maximum gain value set larger than an initial value to be smaller than the switching threshold value with the maximum gain value set smaller than the initial value.