Light Emission Control Device with Adaptive Accumulator Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing light emission control systems for image pickup apparatuses, such as digital cameras, face challenges in reducing shutdown time and maintaining accumulator unit durability due to inefficient charge and discharge control methods, which lead to prolonged shutdown times and power wastage.
Innovation Solution
A light emission control device that selectively controls the charge voltage of an accumulator unit to a first threshold for light emission and a lower second threshold for non-photographing states, allowing for efficient discharge and minimizing shutdown time, while maintaining accumulator durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric double layer capacitor is discharged to the predetermined level whenever photographing is terminated, then the lifetime of the capacitor is extended, but the charging time required to perform flash light emission becomes longer and electric power is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating discharge control based on the operational state. The discharge control unit determines whether to discharge the capacitor based on the current mode (photographing mode vs. other modes). This localized differentiation of control strategy optimizes both capacitor lifetime and charging speed by applying discharge only when necessary and appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the discharge control adaptive to changing operational conditions. The discharge control unit dynamically adjusts the discharge behavior based on the current mode, transitioning between discharge and non-discharge states as needed. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize performance based on real-time operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the charge voltage is increased to perform flash light emission, then the operability and power efficiency are improved, but the time to complete discharge processing when power is turned off increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing mode-specific discharge control. The discharge control unit selectively applies discharge based on the current operational mode, allowing high voltage maintenance during photographing mode for optimal operability while enabling discharge during other modes to reduce shutdown time. This localized control strategy resolves the contradiction by applying appropriate control characteristics to appropriate operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adaptive discharge control that responds to operational mode changes. The discharge control unit dynamically adjusts the discharge strategy based on whether the system is in photographing mode or another mode, allowing the voltage to be maintained high when needed for operability while being discharged when shutdown time reduction is prioritized.
3Reliability
If the charge voltage is reduced to extend capacitor lifetime, then the durability is improved, but the charging speed and power efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated voltage control based on operational mode. During photographing mode, the charge voltage is maintained at a high level to ensure fast charging speed and power efficiency. During other modes, the voltage is reduced to extend capacitor durability. This localized control approach allows the system to optimize for different objectives in different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adaptive voltage control that adjusts the charge voltage level based on operational requirements. The charge control unit dynamically sets the voltage level high when fast charging is needed for photographing operations and reduces it during other modes to protect capacitor durability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between charging speed and durability.
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 approach prevents increased shutdown times and degrades the accumulator unit's durability, enabling faster power-off and reduced power wastage, while maintaining operational efficiency and longevity of the accumulator unit.
Implementation Method 1
an accumulator unit configured to accumulate electric charges so as to supply electric current to the light emitting section
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting section that emits light when electric current is supplied
Data Source
AI summary
A light emission control device capable of preventing an increase in time required to shut down an image pickup apparatus when powering it off and preventing degradation of the durability of an accumulator unit. A light emission control device of a camera controls light emission of an LED that illuminates an object in photographing by supplying electric current from a capacitor. A charge controller controls the charge voltage of the capacitor to a first voltage threshold value for photographing. When the camera is shifted to a predetermined state except photographing, the charge controller controls the charge voltage to a second voltage threshold value which is lower than the first voltage threshold value by causing electric charges to be discharged from the capacitor.