Imaging System Load Control via Voltage Drop Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preventing camera restarts due to voltage fluctuations do not consider partial pressures of components, leading to instability when enabling loads, such as a fill flash, especially under low-voltage conditions.

Innovation Solution

The imaging system adaptively determines whether to enable loads by considering the supply voltage, impedance of the power line, and power consumption, adjusting parameters like luminance to prevent restarts and ensure stable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing voltage threshold comparison method is used to determine whether to enable load, then the control logic is simple, but the camera still restarts and cannot work stably when enabling load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidcamera operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameters from simple voltage threshold comparison to a comprehensive model considering supply voltage, load power consumption, and power line impedance. The controller calculates actual voltage at the camera based on these parameters and makes enable/disable decisions, transforming the control from static threshold checking to dynamic parameter-based prediction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses readily available components (voltage sensor, impedance measurement circuit) to build a prediction model that prevents camera restarts. Rather than using expensive high-capacity power adapters or complex power supply systems, it employs simple sensing and calculation to predict voltage drops and prevent problematic load enabling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Speed

If load is enabled without considering power line impedance and partial pressures, then the load can be activated quickly, but the camera voltage decreases and causes restart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload activation speedVSAvoidcamera operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of voltage drop and predicted camera voltage before enabling the load. By using the measured power line impedance and expected load power consumption, the system predicts the voltage that will occur at the camera and decides in advance whether to permit load activation, preventing restarts before they happen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors supply voltage, measures power line impedance, and uses this information to predict the effect of enabling loads. The system adjusts load enabling decisions based on real-time feedback about power line conditions and voltage levels.

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 approach allows for real-time and rapid adjustment of camera loads to prevent restarts, ensuring stable camera function even under low-voltage conditions by considering the operational conditions and adjusting parameters accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

determine a voltage drop across the power line by multiplying the current through the power line by an impedance of the power line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4035349B1Imaging systems and methods
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 ZHEJIANG DAHUA TECH CO LTD
  • EP4035349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4035349B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4035349B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to imaging systems and methods. An imaging method may include determining a first remaining power based on a maximum power of a camera and a working power of the camera; determining whether an operation condition of a first load is satisfied based on the first remaining power; and in response to a determination that the operation condition of the first load is satisfied, enabling the first load.