Imaging Device Light Shield Detection for Storage Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveillance camera systems consume excessive recording capacity by recording both mask and original images, which is inefficient in terms of storage usage.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a light shield that can be detected based on image data, stopping recording when the light shield covers the opening, thereby reducing unnecessary storage of image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surveillance camera records both mask images and original images, then privacy protection is ensured, but recording medium capacity is excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for privacy protection (light shield position detection from image data) and separates the recording function based on detection results. Instead of recording all images, the system extracts and records only those frames where the light shield is in the open position, eliminating redundant recordings while maintaining privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the recording parameter from continuous recording of all images to conditional recording based on light shield position. By detecting the light shield position parameter from image data and using it to control recording, the system dynamically adjusts recording behavior to match actual privacy protection needs.
2Productivity
If the light shield position is not detected, then recording continues unnecessarily, but adding detection mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit serves multiple functions: it both captures surveillance images and detects light shield position. By making the imaging unit universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate detection sensors or mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining recording efficiency through intelligent control based on detected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own image data to detect light shield position and control recording decisions. The imaging device performs self-diagnosis and self-regulation by analyzing its captured images to determine when recording should occur, eliminating external detection devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce increased consumption of the recording capacity of a recording medium to record generated image data, an imaging device includes an imaging element and an image processor that receive subject light through an opening in a housing and generate image data, a recording controller that records the image data generated by the imaging processor onto a memory card, a lens cover movable to a position at which the lens cover covers the opening to restrict the subject light from entering the imaging element, and a determiner that detects a position of the lens cover based on the image data generated by the imaging processor and determines whether the lens cover covers the opening. The recording controller stops recording the image data onto the memory card when the determiner determines that the lens cover covers the opening.