Imaging Device Near-Infrared Component Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices struggle to maintain color reproducibility and dynamic range when capturing scenes with large brightness differences, as noise components from near-infrared light removal lead to decreased signal-to-noise ratios and color noise generation.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with an optical filter system that selectively transmits light of different wavelengths, including a filter with spectral transmittance equal to the sum of others, and a near-infrared light ratio calculating part to determine and remove near-infrared components from each pixel's output signal, generating an infrared-separated signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mirror is disposed between the flash tube and the subject to illuminate the subject from a direction different from the flash tube's optical axis, then shadowless illumination can be achieved, but the mirror surface may be damaged by flash tube light and high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
A protective plate is positioned between the flash tube and the mirror to intercept and absorb the harmful light and heat from the flash tube, preventing direct exposure to the mirror surface. This intermediary component protects the mirror while allowing it to fulfill its illumination function by reflecting light onto the subject from angles that eliminate shadows.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera body is made waterproof and dustproof, then the camera can be used in various environments, but the structure becomes more complex and the viewfinder may show black spots due to moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The camera body is divided into separate waterproof and non-waterproof sections. The viewfinder system is isolated in a non-waterproof zone, while the body housing provides waterproof protection for internal components. This segmentation allows the camera to achieve waterproofing without compromising viewfinder functionality, as moisture is prevented from reaching the viewfinder area through proper sealing and structural design.
3Ease of operation
If the viewfinder is exposed to the outside for real-time viewing, then real-time observation is possible, but the viewfinder lens may become contaminated with water or dust
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover or shield is positioned between the external environment and the viewfinder lens, allowing users to observe through the viewfinder while preventing water and dust from contaminating the lens surface. This intermediary structure maintains the viewfinder's real-time viewing function while protecting it from environmental contaminants.
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 configuration allows for effective removal of near-infrared light components based on their ratio, resulting in improved color reproducibility and dynamic range without decreasing the signal-to-noise ratio, even in scenes with significant brightness variations.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector (R1) disposed between the light source and the second reflector (R2) and configured to reflect light from the light source toward the second reflector (R2)
Implementation Method 2
a second reflector (R2) disposed between the first reflector (R1) and the subject and configured to reflect light from the first reflector (R1) toward the subject
Implementation Method 3
a protective plate disposed between the light source and the first reflector (R1) and configured to block light from the light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
To obtain a color signal having a wide dynamic range (i.e., high sensitivity) and color reproducibility similar to human vision characteristics regardless of the amount of the near infrared components contained in light captured by an imaging device. The imaging device is configured to receive light which has transmitted through the filters selectively transmit light having different wavelengths from each other, to generate an output signal RAW0 by converting the received light using the image pickup element 102 having the plurality of pixels, and to remove, by a removal rate E (Rr) determined in accordance with the ratio Rr of near infrared light component calculated for each pixel, the near infrared light component for each pixel from the generated output signal RAW0, to thereby generate an infrared-separated signal (Ra, Ga, Ba).