Infrared Diaphragm Control for Pixel Saturation Prevention

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infrared imaging devices face challenges in controlling the diaphragm to prevent saturation of infrared detection pixels when capturing high-temperature objects, as reducing the diaphragm's opening area increases the amount of infrared rays incident on the imaging element, making it difficult to determine the optimum F-number in a timely and power-efficient manner.

Innovation Solution

An infrared imaging device with a diaphragm control system that includes a temperature detection unit, a storage unit for signal values associated with the diaphragm's temperature and F-number, and a diaphragm control unit that selects the optimum F-number based on captured image data, allowing for quick and energy-efficient adjustment of the diaphragm to prevent pixel saturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the opening area of the diaphragm is reduced to prevent saturation of infrared detection pixels for high-temperature objects, then pixel saturation is prevented, but the amount of infrared rays radiated from the diaphragm blade and incident on the imaging element increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of pixel saturationVSAvoidinfrared rays from diaphragm blade

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by storing signal values corresponding to infrared rays from the diaphragm blade under various F-number and temperature conditions, then selecting the appropriate F-number based on the detected diaphragm temperature and stored data, rather than simply reducing the opening area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the temperature of the diaphragm blade and using this information to determine the appropriate F-number, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts the diaphragm setting based on actual thermal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the diaphragm is switched to a plurality of values to monitor output signal values from infrared detection pixels, then the optimum F-number can be determined, but it takes a lot of time and power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination of optimum F-numberVSAvoidtime for diaphragm switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing signal values for multiple F-numbers and temperatures in advance, so that when imaging is needed, the system can quickly retrieve and compare stored values without performing time-consuming switching and measurement sequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by storing representative signal values for different F-numbers and temperature conditions in memory, allowing the system to reference pre-captured data patterns rather than performing real-time measurements for each condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If the diaphragm is switched to a plurality of values to monitor output signal values from infrared detection pixels, then the optimum F-number can be determined, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination of optimum F-numberVSAvoidpower consumption for diaphragm control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing signal values for multiple F-numbers and temperatures in advance, so that when imaging is needed, the system can quickly retrieve and compare stored values without performing time-consuming switching and measurement sequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by storing representative signal values for different F-numbers and temperature conditions in memory, allowing the system to reference pre-captured data patterns rather than performing real-time measurements for each condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables the determination of the optimum F-number in a short time with reduced power consumption, effectively preventing pixel saturation and ensuring accurate image capture of high-temperature objects.

Implementation Method 1

infrared rays which are radiated from a diaphragm blade are incident on an imaging element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10362243B2Infrared imaging device, diaphragm control method, and diaphragm control program

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An infrared imaging device includes an imaging element including a plurality of infrared detection pixels, a diaphragm, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the diaphragm, a main memory that stores a first signal value corresponding to infrared rays, which are radiated from the diaphragm and are incident on each of the infrared detection pixels of the imaging element, so as to be associated with the F-number and temperature of the diaphragm, and a system control unit that controls the F-number of the diaphragm, based on the first signal value, captured image data obtained by capturing an image of the object using the imaging element in a state in which the F-number of the diaphragm is set to an arbitrary value, the temperature of the diaphragm detected by the temperature detection unit and the arbitrary value.