Imaging Device With Dual-Voltage Conversion for Fine Sensitivity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to finely adjust sensitivity to changes in brightness, particularly when using electronic neutral density filters, which can lead to image quality deterioration due to diffraction phenomena.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a dual conversion unit configuration, including a first and second conversion unit that adjust gain independently via applied voltages, allowing for more precise sensitivity control, and an applied-voltage control unit to manage these voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single conversion unit is used to adjust sensitivity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensitivity adjustment precision and response speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conversion function into two separate conversion units (first conversion unit and second conversion unit), each capable of independent operation and voltage control. This segmentation allows for more precise sensitivity adjustment by enabling fine-grained control over the conversion characteristics, while the modular architecture keeps the added complexity manageable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of each conversion unit through independent voltage application circuitry, allowing the system to adjust sensitivity in real-time based on lighting conditions. The controller can dynamically select which conversion unit to activate or adjust their operation to optimize response speed and precision for different brightness levels.
2Ease of operation
If electronic neutral density filters are used to adjust illuminance, then the aperture and shutter mechanism is replaced, but diffraction phenomena cause image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical aperture and shutter systems with electronic conversion units that adjust light intensity through voltage-controlled photoelectric conversion. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that cause diffraction, while maintaining the ability to adjust illuminance electronically through voltage application to the conversion units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the conversion units by applying different voltages to control the photoelectric conversion efficiency. By adjusting the voltage parameter, the system can control the amount of light converted to electrical signals, thereby adjusting illuminance without mechanical intervention and avoiding diffraction effects.
3Measurement precision
If voltage is applied to increase conversion efficiency, then sensitivity is improved, but the response time to brightness changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the controller pre-configure the conversion units and their voltage levels based on anticipated lighting conditions. The system can quickly switch between different conversion unit configurations or voltage levels without waiting for gradual adjustment, thereby reducing response time while maintaining high conversion efficiency through optimized voltage application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment where the controller can rapidly change the voltage applied to the conversion units in response to detected brightness changes. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize conversion efficiency for current conditions while responding quickly to changes, as the voltage can be adjusted instantaneously rather than requiring gradual transitions.
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
The system enables finer adjustment of sensitivity to brightness changes, reduces response time, and maintains image quality by using two conversion units, allowing for compact design and user-friendly manual/automatic control options.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converter including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the photoelectric conversion layer converting incident light into electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system includes: a photoelectric converter including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the photoelectric conversion layer converting incident light into electric charge; voltage application circuitry that supplies a first voltage and a second voltage less than the first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a frame; and a controller that derives a voltage value corresponding to an attenuation ratio set for the frame and that causes the voltage supply circuitry to supply the first voltage having the voltage value and the second voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in the frame.