Imaging Apparatus Thermal Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in managing temperature during operation, leading to potential thermal shutdown and restricted functionality, particularly when using high-power autofocus methods like phase detection AF, which can cause increased image sensor temperature and affect performance.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus incorporates a temperature acquisition circuit and a controller that switches between different operation modes, such as phase detection AF and contrast AF, based on the image sensor's temperature, switching to lower-power modes like contrast AF when the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold to prevent thermal shutdown and maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If phase detection AF is used for high-speed autofocus operation, then autofocus speed is improved, but image sensor temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between phase detection AF and contrast AF based on real-time temperature conditions. When temperature exceeds the threshold during phase detection AF, the system transitions to contrast AF, which consumes less power and generates less heat, thereby maintaining autofocus functionality while controlling temperature rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameter (AF mode) in response to temperature changes. By monitoring image sensor temperature and switching AF modes based on temperature thresholds, the system adapts its operation to prevent thermal shutdown while maintaining imaging performance.
2Productivity
If continuous high-power operation is maintained, then productivity is improved, but thermal shutdown occurs restricting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements temperature monitoring with feedback control. The temperature acquisition circuit continuously monitors image sensor temperature, and the controller uses this feedback to switch between AF modes, ensuring continuous operation below the thermal shutdown threshold while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically monitors temperature and switches between high-power phase detection AF and low-power contrast AF to prevent continuous high-power operation. This periodic switching maintains productivity while avoiding thermal shutdown through controlled power consumption cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus that performs image capturing operation in a plurality of operation modes, includes: an image sensor that captures a subject image via an optical system to generate image data; a temperature acquisition circuit that acquires temperature of the image sensor; and a controller that switches the plurality of operation modes based on the temperature of the image sensor. The plurality of operation modes includes a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which the image sensor consumes less power than in the first operation mode. The controller changes an operation mode of the imaging apparatus from the first operation mode to the second operation mode when the temperature of the image sensor increases to first temperature in image capturing operation in the first operation mode. The first temperature is lower than temperature at which execution of a predetermined function is restricted in the imaging apparatus.