Imaging Optics Standby Filter Control Against Sunlight Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resin forming the lens barrel can be thermally damaged due to prolonged exposure to concentrated sunlight.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with a first filter disposed closer to the object side than the optical system to attenuate light, and a control method that shifts between imaging and standby modes, inserting or removing the filter as needed to manage light exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If the apparatus remains in standby mode without imaging for a long period, then power consumption is reduced, but the resin lens barrel may be thermally damaged by concentrated sunlight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidthermal damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A first filter (neutral density filter) is introduced as an intermediary element in the optical path to attenuate sunlight before it reaches the lens barrel. The filter is selectively inserted when transitioning to standby mode and removed when imaging resumes, serving as a mediator that blocks harmful thermal radiation while allowing normal operation when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively inserts the first filter into the optical path before thermal damage can occur during standby mode. By detecting the transition to standby mode and automatically deploying the filter, the system performs protective action in advance, preventing the accumulation of thermal damage that would occur if protection were delayed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the optical zoom position is changed to prevent light concentration, then thermal damage is avoided, but imaging quality may be degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal damage preventionVSAvoidimaging quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is separated from the optical imaging function by introducing a dedicated first filter element that can be independently controlled. Instead of altering the optical zoom position (which affects imaging quality), the system segments the protection mechanism into a separate filter component that attenuates light without requiring changes to the optical path configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first filter serves as an intermediary that attenuates sunlight before it enters the optical system, protecting the lens barrel from thermal damage while allowing the optical zoom position to remain unchanged. This mediator approach preserves imaging quality by not interfering with the optical path when imaging is active

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a filter is inserted to attenuate light during standby, then thermal damage is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protectionVSAvoidfilter mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first filter is designed to serve multiple functions: it attenuates sunlight during standby mode to prevent thermal damage, and can be removed or adjusted when imaging is active. The filter mechanism is integrated into the existing optical system architecture, allowing a single component to fulfill both protection and optical function requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically manages the insertion and removal of the first filter based on the imaging state, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting whether it is in imaging or standby mode and autonomously deploying or retracting the filter, reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Reduces the risk of thermal damage to the lens barrel by controlling light intensity during non-imaging periods, protecting the apparatus from intense sunlight without altering the optical zoom position.

Implementation Method 1

a first filter disposed closer to an object side than the optical system and configured to attenuate light entering the imaging element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12535673B2Imaging apparatus, control method, and storage medium for capturing an image of an object by an optical system

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 CANON KK

AI summary

An apparatus includes an element configured to capture an image of an object by an optical system, a first filter disposed closer to an object side than the optical system and configured to attenuate light entering the element, at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that cause the at least one processor to set any of a first mode in which the apparatus performs imaging and a second mode in which the apparatus does not perform imaging but stands by, insert the first filter into an optical path of the element in a case where a mode is shifted from the first mode to the second mode, and remove the first filter from the optical path in a case where the mode is shifted from the second mode to the first mode.