Imaging Control Device Brightness Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices struggle to set the brightness of first and second image data within appropriate ranges due to differing sensitivities of light receiving elements for different wavelength bands, leading to issues like saturation or noise in output images.

Innovation Solution

An imaging control device that evaluates the brightness of first and second image data and adjusts exposure time, diaphragm value, or gain, while also adjusting light emission intensity and wavelength to ensure both data sets are within the desired range, using a light emitting device to support these adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the exposure time or gain is increased to improve the brightness of the second image data, then the brightness of the second image data is improved, but the first image data becomes overexposed or saturated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness of second image dataVSAvoidbrightness range of first image data

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image data processing into separate channels for different wavelength bands (first and second image data). Each channel has independent brightness evaluation and adjustment mechanisms, allowing the exposure time and gain to be individually optimized for each wavelength band without affecting the other channel's brightness range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts exposure time and gain parameters based on the evaluated brightness of each wavelength band's image data. By changing these parameters adaptively for each channel, the system ensures that both first and second image data fall within appropriate brightness ranges, preventing saturation while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the exposure time is extended to capture more light for the second wavelength band, then the signal strength is improved, but the temporal resolution and frame rate decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reception amountVSAvoidframe rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the exposure time parameter based on the evaluated brightness of the second image data. By dynamically changing the exposure time, the system captures sufficient light for the second wavelength band while maintaining an appropriate frame rate, avoiding the trade-off between light reception amount and temporal resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If the gain is increased to amplify the signal from the second light receiving element, then the brightness of the second image data is improved, but the noise level increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness of second image dataVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the brightness of the second image data is evaluated, and based on this evaluation, the gain is adjusted. This closed-loop control ensures that the gain is increased only to the extent necessary to achieve appropriate brightness, preventing excessive noise amplification while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution allows for the effective setting of both image data brightnesses within appropriate ranges, preventing saturation and noise, thereby enhancing the quality of images captured across various objects and environments.

Implementation Method 1

a first light receiving element for receiving light of the first wavelength band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a second light receiving element for receiving light of the second wavelength band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The first light receiving element and the second light receiving element are each provided with an optical filter for selectively transmitting light of a wavelength band to be received

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical Filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS10148887B2Imaging control device

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 THINE ELECTRONICS

AI summary

An imaging system 1 includes an imaging control device 10, an imaging device 20, and a light emitting device 30. The imaging control device 10 is provided for controlling the imaging device 20 and the light emitting device 30, and includes an evaluation unit 13, a light reception adjustment unit 14, and a light emission adjustment unit 15. The evaluation unit 13 evaluates respective brightnesses of the first image data and the second image data that are output from the imaging device 20. The light reception adjustment unit 14 adjusts any of an exposure time, a diaphragm value, and a gain that are to be used when the imaging device 20 captures an image, based on a brightness evaluation result. The light emission adjustment unit 15 causes the light emitting device 30 to emit light of either wavelength band of the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band, and adjusts a light emission intensity of the light, based on an evaluation result.