Infrared Cut Filter Control via Luminance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses cannot automatically control the insertion and retraction of the infrared cut filter from an external client device via network, requiring users to manually consider delay time and brightness settings, leading to cumbersome operations.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected client device and imaging apparatus system that comprehends additional information related to the infrared cut filter's insertion and retraction, allowing automatic control and simplifying user operations by integrating luminance threshold values and delay times into the control method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the imaging apparatus automatically controls insertion and retraction of the infrared cut filter based on luminance detection, then the automation level improves, but the user operability deteriorates because users must intentionally consider delay time and brightness settings
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus automatically detects luminance levels and controls the infrared cut filter insertion/retraction without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using its own luminance detection capability to make control decisions, eliminating the need for users to manually set delay times or brightness thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the luminance detection unit to automatically adjust the infrared cut filter control. The control unit receives luminance information and automatically determines whether to insert or retract the filter, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing light conditions without user input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional information such as delay time and brightness of surroundings is made available for automatic control settings, then the control flexibility improves, but the user operability deteriorates because users find it difficult to understand how this information will be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex decision-making logic regarding delay time and brightness settings from the user's responsibility and places it within the imaging apparatus's control unit. Users only need to enable automatic control, while the system extracts and processes the additional information (luminance, delay time) internally to make control decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the luminance detection unit and the infrared cut filter drive unit. It receives additional information including delay time and brightness data, processes this information according to predetermined algorithms, and translates it into appropriate filter control actions, shielding users from the complexity of these parameters.
3Extent of automation
If the imaging apparatus determines brightness automatically and controls infrared cut filter insertion/retraction, then the automation improves, but the network control capability deteriorates because external client devices cannot perform this control
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both automatic local control and remote network control. It can operate in automatic mode using luminance detection, or accept commands from external client devices via the network interface, making the system adaptable to different control scenarios and users.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is dynamic in that it can switch between different control modes: automatic control based on luminance detection and manual control via network commands from external devices. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different user needs and operational contexts.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a control unit to perform insertion/retraction of an infrared cut filter into and from an optical path of an imaging optical system; a reception unit to receive a third command to cause the control unit to automatically control insertion/retraction of the infrared cut filter; and a determining unit configured to determine whether or not the third command includes additional information based on the output of the reception unit; wherein, in the event that the determining unit has determined that the third command includes additional information, the control unit controls insertion/retraction of the infrared cut filter based on the additional information, and in the event that the determining unit has determined that the third command does not include additional information, the control unit controls insertion/retraction of the infrared cut filter based on control information which the control unit has beforehand.