Imaging Control Apparatus Dynamic Nonvisible Light Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image pickup apparatuses that acquire both visible and nonvisible light images consume higher power due to the need for separate image sensors and processing for each type of light, as well as increased power usage from nonvisible light sources, which is not efficiently managed.
Innovation Solution
An imaging control apparatus with a processor and memory that determines whether to perform imaging and processing for nonvisible light data based on the imaging scene, controlling the use of nonvisible light image sensors and sources to reduce power consumption by selectively using nonvisible light image data only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image pickup apparatus performs both visible light imaging and nonvisible light imaging simultaneously, then both types of image data can be acquired, but power consumption increases due to multiple image sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between visible light imaging mode and nonvisible light imaging mode based on scene analysis. The control unit determines whether to activate the nonvisible light image sensor and perform nonvisible light image processing based on analyzing the visible light image data, thereby adapting the system operation to actual imaging needs and reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the imaging system by switching between different imaging modes. When nonvisible light imaging is determined to be necessary, the system activates the nonvisible light image sensor and enables nonvisible light image processing; otherwise, these functions remain inactive, thus optimizing power consumption based on scene requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nonvisible light source is energized for imaging, then nonvisible light image data can be acquired, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or conditional activation of the nonvisible light source rather than continuous operation. The light source is energized only when the control unit determines that nonvisible light imaging is necessary based on scene analysis, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to acquire nonvisible light image data when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If processing is performed for both visible light image data and nonvisible light image data, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the level of image processing based on the imaging mode. Nonvisible light image processing (including pixel correction, black level correction, and flaw correction) is performed only when nonvisible light imaging is activated. When operating in visible light only mode, these additional processing steps are skipped, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining image quality when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging control apparatus includes a control unit configured to acquire visible light image data and nonvisible light image data through imaging by an imaging unit, a processing unit configured to perform image processing using at least one of the visible light image data and the nonvisible light image data, and a determining unit configured to determine an imaging scene. The control unit controls whether or not to perform imaging for the nonvisible light image data by the imaging unit and image processing using the nonvisible light image data in the processing unit according to a determination result of the imaging scene.