Imaging Apparatus Digital Night Mode Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses face challenges in improving sensitivity under low illuminance while maintaining color balance and responsiveness, as the insertion and extraction of infrared ray cut filters (IRCFs) can disrupt RGB balance and require time, leading to reduced visibility and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that includes a white balance adjustment unit, a determination unit, and a filter control unit to amplify the gain of each color component and control the IRCF to allow infrared light when image data is dark, using both digital night mode and analog night mode to enhance sensitivity without disrupting RGB balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the IRCF is extracted from the optical path to improve sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the RGB balance is disturbed and responsiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion/extraction system of the IRCF with a digital processing system. The image processing unit performs night mode processing on the captured image data to enhance sensitivity without requiring physical movement of optical components. This substitution eliminates the time delay associated with mechanical filter movement while maintaining the ability to improve sensitivity in low-light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a processed copy of the original image data through night mode processing. The image processing unit generates enhanced image data from the captured data by adjusting luminance and applying specific processing algorithms, rather than physically altering the optical path. This copying approach allows sensitivity improvement without mechanical intervention.
2Measurement precision
If the IRCF is inserted or extracted to improve sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the image visibility is reduced due to the holding frame intersecting the image sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical filter insertion/extraction mechanism that causes the holding frame to intersect the image sensor. By using digital night mode processing on the captured image data, the system improves sensitivity without any moving parts that could obstruct the image. The holding frame remains stationary while digital processing enhances the low-light image quality.
3Measurement precision
If the IRCF is extracted to improve sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the RGB balance adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent works with a digital copy of the captured image data rather than physically removing the IRCF. The image processing unit applies night mode processing to the captured data, which includes appropriate RGB balance adjustments as part of the digital processing pipeline. This approach maintains RGB balance control while achieving sensitivity improvement through digital enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts processing parameters digitally rather than requiring physical filter removal. The night mode processing unit modifies luminance parameters, gain settings, and color balance parameters through digital signal processing. This allows for precise control of RGB balance while improving sensitivity, without the complexity of mechanical filter extraction and subsequent manual or automatic white balance adjustments.
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
This approach significantly improves sensitivity under low illuminance conditions, reduces unwelcome interruptions during mode changes, and maintains proper exposure, achieving better visibility and responsiveness compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the image sensor receives the infrared rays cut by the IRCF to improve sensitivity
Implementation Method 2
executes white balance (hereinafter, referred to as WB) adjustment from the video signal to balances red, green and blue (RGB) components
Implementation Method 3
a filter control unit configured to control a filter in order not to cause light including a predetermined wavelength component incident on the imaging unit
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a white balance adjustment unit configured to adjust a white balance of image data output from the imaging unit, a determination unit configured to determine brightness of the image data, a filter control unit configured to control a filter in order not to cause light including a predetermined wavelength component incident on the imaging unit, and a control unit configured to, if the determination unit determines that the image data is darker than a predetermined value, execute both of a first mode for amplifying a gain of each color of the image data by the white balance adjustment unit and a second mode for controlling the filter by the filter control unit so as to cause the light including the predetermined wavelength component incident on the imaging unit.