IR Cut Filter Position Correction via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home security systems with A/V recording and communication devices face issues with the proper positioning of optical filters, such as IR cut filters, which can become stuck or fail to actuate correctly, affecting image quality and night vision functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that analyzes image data to detect excessive red, pink, or magenta pixels/lines during daylight and black pixels/lines at night, triggering the IR cut filter to move to its correct position, ensuring optimal image capture and night vision mode operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical filter is manually positioned or fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the filter may become stuck or fail to actuate correctly, affecting image quality and night vision functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the camera's own captured images to automatically detect optical filter position and trigger actuation when mispositioned, eliminating the need for external monitoring devices or manual intervention. The processor analyzes image data (detecting red/pink/magenta pixels during day or black pixels during night) and autonomously controls the actuator to correct the filter position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the camera continuously monitors image characteristics to detect optical filter position, the processor analyzes this feedback data, and the actuator adjusts the filter accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures reliable filter positioning without complex external monitoring systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the optical filter position is not monitored, then the device complexity is low, but image quality deteriorates due to improper filter positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system monitors its own output images to detect optical filter position, using the captured light data as the monitoring signal. This self-monitoring approach achieves precise position detection without requiring separate sensors or complex monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects optical filter position by analyzing color characteristics in captured images - specifically detecting red/pink/magenta pixel patterns when the filter is mispositioned during daylight, or black pixel patterns during nighttime. This color-based detection provides precise position information using the existing camera sensor.
3Reliability
If the IR cut filter is not properly positioned, then the device structure remains simple, but night vision functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and corrects IR cut filter positioning issues using the camera's own image analysis capabilities, eliminating the need for external monitoring devices or complex positioning mechanisms. The processor analyzes image data and triggers the actuator only when mispositioning is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors image characteristics in advance to detect potential filter positioning issues before they severely impact night vision functionality. By detecting color patterns (red/pink/magenta during day, black during night) and triggering actuation early, the system prevents complete failure of night vision mode.
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 ensures the IR cut filter is properly positioned, maintaining image quality and enabling effective night vision by automatically correcting its position based on image analysis, thereby enhancing the performance of A/V recording and communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor, and a processor. The processor is configured to: receive image data from the image sensor; determine, based on the image data, whether the optical filter is in an expected position
Implementation Method 2
An A/V recording and communication device may include an optical filter for absorbing/blocking/reflecting certain wavelengths of light from reaching its image sensor. For example, the A/V device may include an infrared (IR) cut filter to filter out IR and near-IR light
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a camera device may include an optical filter. The camera device may attempt to actuate the optical filter from an inactive position to an active position, record video, count a quantity of pixels, and/or a quantity of lines of pixels, in one or more frames of the video that are a color that is characteristic of the absence of the optical filter, determine that the quantity is greater than a threshold, and again attempt to move the optical filter to its active position.