Imaging Apparatus Variable ND Filter Brightness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face challenges in adjusting image brightness effectively, often resulting in overexposure or underexposure in different regions of an image, leading to unsatisfactory shooting results.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus equipped with an electronic neutral density (ND) filter that adjusts light transmittance in pixel units on the incident surface, allowing for variable light reception rates across the image sensor, enabling precise control of brightness in image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable ND filter is used to control light transmittance, then brightness adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ND filter is divided into multiple independent regions (first region and second region) with different light transmittance characteristics. Each region can be controlled independently to adjust brightness in specific areas of the image, providing localized brightness control without requiring a completely new filter system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ND filter are assigned different light transmittance properties to address specific brightness issues in different parts of the image. The first region has higher transmittance for brighter areas while the second region has lower transmittance for darker areas, optimizing brightness control locally rather than uniformly across the entire image.
2Device complexity
If uniform light transmittance is applied across the entire filter, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to overexposure or underexposure in different regions
Solution Approach 1:
The filter surface is segmented into multiple regions with different transmittance values, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function. This segmentation enables the filter to handle varying brightness requirements across different image areas without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each region of the filter is designed with specific light transmittance characteristics tailored to its intended function. The first region is optimized for brighter image portions while the second region is optimized for darker portions, ensuring optimal image quality across the entire frame without uniform compromise.
3Productivity
If the entire variable ND filter transmittance is returned to 100% after imaging, then the filter can be reused for next shot, but brightness adjustment cannot be maintained for multiple images
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into independently controllable regions, allowing selective adjustment of transmittance in specific areas while maintaining other regions at different settings. This enables the filter to maintain brightness adjustments across multiple shots without requiring complete reset, improving both productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter transmittance characteristics can be dynamically adjusted and maintained in different states for different regions throughout multiple imaging operations. The filter transitions from static uniform transmittance to dynamic region-specific transmittance control, allowing flexibility across multiple shots while maintaining optimal settings.
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 apparatus allows for easy adjustment of image brightness, reducing exposure deficiencies and enhancing image quality by selectively controlling light transmittance in specific regions, thereby optimizing the dynamic range of captured images.
Implementation Method 1
an adjuster that adjusts a light reception rate in each position on an incident surface, the light reception rate allowing the image sensor to receive the light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: an image sensor that captures a subject image by receiving incident light, to generate image data; a controller that controls an image shooting operation using the image sensor; a recorder that records the image data as a result of the image shooting operation; and an adjuster that adjusts a light reception rate in each position on an incident surface, the light reception rate allowing the image sensor to receive the light, the incident surface being entered by the light corresponding to an image represented by the image data. The controller controls the adjuster to render the light reception rate in a position corresponding to part of the image on the incident surface different from the light reception rate in another position thereon, and causes the image sensor to capture the image with the light reception rate rendered different by the adjuster in the image shooting operation.