Infrared Illuminator Control via Reflection Interference Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared illuminators in image-recording devices, such as video surveillance systems, suffer from light-reflection interference, leading to erratic operation and potential damage, as well as impaired image quality due to the reflection of supplemental light back into the light-measuring device.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that filter out light-reflection interference by calculating a scaling factor to determine the actual visible illuminance, allowing for precise control of the infrared illuminator's on and off states based on this value, thereby ensuring accurate light detection and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the infrared illuminator is turned on to provide supplemental light in dark environments, then the video recording quality is improved, but light-reflection interference occurs that damages the device and impairs image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light-reflection interference into a measurable signal. By detecting the reflected infrared light intensity and calculating the scaling factor, the system uses the previously harmful reflection as useful information to determine when to turn off the infrared illuminator, thus preventing damage and image degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the light-measuring device continuously monitors the reflected light from the infrared illuminator. The processing unit calculates the scaling factor based on this feedback and adjusts the infrared illuminator's operation accordingly, turning it off when the reflected light intensity exceeds the threshold to prevent harmful effects.
2Extent of automation
If the light-measuring device detects visible light illuminance to control the infrared illuminator, then the device operates automatically, but the reflected light interferes with light detection causing erratic operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the light-measuring device to continuously monitor reflected light intensity. The processing unit compares this feedback against calculated thresholds and automatically adjusts the infrared illuminator's state, ensuring stable and reliable automatic operation without erratic behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical on/off control with an intelligent control system that uses optical detection and computational processing. The system substitutes manual or simple automatic control with a sophisticated feedback-based control mechanism that calculates scaling factors and makes informed decisions about infrared illuminator operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the infrared illuminator is turned on repeatedly due to interference, then the device attempts to adapt to lighting conditions, but the repeated on-off cycling causes device damage and video quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control to prevent repeated on-off cycling. By continuously monitoring reflected light intensity and comparing it against dynamically calculated thresholds based on the scaling factor, the system maintains stable operation and avoids the harmful repeated cycling that would damage the device and degrade video quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the scaling factor and establishes operational thresholds before the harmful repeated cycling can occur. This preliminary action sets up the feedback mechanism to anticipate and prevent erratic operation, protecting the device from damage before it can happen.
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
This solution effectively filters out light-reflection interference, allowing for reliable operation of image-recording devices by ensuring accurate control of the infrared illuminator, reducing the risk of damage and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
infrared illuminators are often used as supplemental light sources in night or darkness
Implementation Method 2
a light-measuring device is often mounted on the image-recording device to detect the current visible light illuminance
Implementation Method 3
the supplemental light emitted by the infrared illuminator can be reflected back to the video surveillance device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an infrared illuminator and a related image-recording device are provided. The method for controlling an infrared illuminator includes: turning on the infrared illuminator in a filming environment to provide light; filtering out light-reflection interference caused by the light to obtain an actual visible illuminance value; and controlling on and off states of the infrared illuminator based on the actual visible illuminance value.