Imaging Apparatus Exposure Control via Neutral Density Filter and Signal Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in controlling exposure conditions such as neutral density filter transmittance and amplification factor without affecting the depth of field and smoothness of moving images, which are typically interrelated.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a processor that adjusts the transmittance of a neutral density filter and amplifies image signals based on predetermined combinations for each exposure index, allowing users to set exposure conditions independently of depth of field and image smoothness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the diaphragm is changed to control exposure, then the depth of field is changed, but the user cannot independently control exposure without affecting depth of field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exposure control into independent parameters: diaphragm aperture value (AV), shutter speed (TV), and amplification factor (AI). By separating these controls, the system allows users to adjust exposure without inadvertently changing depth of field, as each parameter can be controlled independently through the exposure index mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the accumulation time is changed to control exposure, then the smoothness of moving image is changed, but the user cannot independently control exposure without affecting image smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates exposure control into independent parameters including accumulation time (shutter speed). By introducing the exposure index mechanism, users can adjust shutter speed without affecting image smoothness, as the system independently manages each parameter through predefined combinations that maintain image quality characteristics
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple exposure conditions are adjusted to achieve proper exposure, then the operation becomes complex, but the user needs precise control over exposure parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by introducing the exposure index (EI) as a unified control parameter. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust multiple exposure conditions (diaphragm, shutter speed, amplification factor), the system changes the EI parameter to select from predefined combinations, maintaining exposure precision while simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple combinations of exposure conditions (diaphragm, shutter speed, amplification factor) corresponding to different exposure indices. These predefined combinations are prepared in advance, allowing users to simply select an EI value rather than manually adjusting multiple parameters, thus maintaining precision while reducing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device, an optical member that adjusts an amount of light of an object image incident on the imaging device, at least one memory storing a program, and at least one processor that when executing the program is configured to adjust transmittance of the optical member, amplify an image signal output when an image of an object is captured using the imaging device, and control exposure by changing an exposure condition including an exposure index.