Imaging Device Nondestructive Reading Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging systems fail to allow users to confirm captured images when the housing door is opened accidentally or when abnormalities occur in the imaging element or light source during imaging, leading to invalidated images.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device and method that includes a nondestructive reading control unit for continuously reading and storing image signals, an abnormality detection unit for detecting door open states, imaging element, and light source issues, and an output unit for displaying confirmation images when abnormalities are detected, allowing for immediate image confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nondestructive reading is performed continuously during imaging, then image confirmation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage confirmation capabilityVSAvoidreading control unit and storage unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reading control unit performs nondestructive reading of image signals at predetermined intervals during imaging, storing multiple images in advance in the storage unit. This preliminary action ensures that valid images are available for confirmation even if imaging is interrupted by door opening or abnormalities, resolving the contradiction by preparing backup images beforehand without requiring complex real-time intervention systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of image signals through nondestructive reading and stores them in the storage unit. These copied images serve as backups that can be output when abnormalities occur, allowing image confirmation capability to be improved without modifying the original imaging process or requiring complex real-time correction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If multiple detection units are added to detect door state, imaging element abnormality, and light source abnormality, then reliability of abnormality detection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection units and control circuitry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The abnormality detection unit is designed as a multi-functional component that detects multiple types of abnormalities including door opening state, imaging element failures, and light source issues through a unified detection mechanism. This universal approach improves reliability of abnormality detection while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from implementing separate dedicated detection units for each abnormality type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple detection functions (door state detection, imaging element monitoring, light source monitoring) into a single integrated abnormality detection unit. This merging of functions achieves comprehensive abnormality detection reliability while reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant detection circuits and control logic that would exist if separate units were implemented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If image signals are stored continuously during imaging, then loss of information is prevented, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage signal preservationVSAvoidenergy consumption of reading control unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reading control unit performs nondestructive reading of image signals at predetermined intervals rather than continuously throughout the imaging process. This periodic action preserves multiple images in the storage unit for later confirmation while significantly reducing the energy consumption compared to continuous reading and storage operations, resolving the contradiction between information preservation and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables users to confirm captured images even when the housing door is opened or imaging element or light source abnormalities occur, ensuring that valid images can be viewed and stored appropriately.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging element configured to nondestructively read an image signal... a photoelectric conversion unit constituted by a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements converting exposed light into charge and accumulate the charge therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3076658B1Imaging device and imaging method
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3076658B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3076658B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3076658B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging device includes an imaging unit which has an imaging element configured to nondestructively read an image signal and performs imaging of a subject using the imaging element, a reading control unit which performs nondestructive reading of the image signal from the imaging element during imaging of the subject, a temporary storage unit which stores the image signal nondestructively read by the reading control unit, an abnormality detection unit which detects the occurrence of an abnormal state during imaging of the subject, and a display control unit which reads and outputs the image signal stored in the storage unit in a case where the abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detection unit.