Movable Filtering Devices for Camera Light Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long focal length cameras with infra-red cut filters suffer from poor imaging quality in dark environments due to limited light transmittance, resulting in insufficient light reaching the image sensor.
Innovation Solution
An imaging assembly with movable filtering devices of varying light transmittance, where a first filtering device with lower transmittance is used in bright environments and a second filtering device with higher transmittance is used in dark environments, allowing more light to reach the image sensor, and a dustproof component is included to protect the image sensor and filtering devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an infra-red cut filter (IRCF) is used in a long focal length camera, then the filtering effect is improved, but the light transmittance deteriorates, resulting in poor imaging quality in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the filtering device movable rather than fixed. The filtering device can be moved between a first position (blocking light path) and a second position (allowing light path), enabling dynamic adjustment of light transmittance based on environmental conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between high filtering effect and high light transmittance as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing multiple filtering devices with different light transmittance characteristics (first filtering device with lower transmittance, second filtering device with higher transmittance). The system changes the optical parameters by selecting different filtering devices based on lighting conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between filtering effectiveness and light transmittance.
2Reliability
If a filtering device with low light transmittance is used to improve filtering effect, then the filtering performance is improved, but the imaging quality in dark environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable filtering device allows the system to dynamically switch between different filtering configurations. In bright environments, the first filtering device provides strong filtering performance. In dark environments, the second filtering device or bypass configuration provides higher light transmittance to maintain imaging quality, thus resolving the contradiction between filtering performance and imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
By providing multiple filtering devices with different optical parameters (different light transmittance values), the system can change the filtering parameters according to environmental conditions. This allows optimal filtering performance in bright light and optimal imaging quality in dark environments, resolving the contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filtering devices with different light transmittances are introduced, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering assembly is designed as a universal module that can be integrated into different camera systems. The multiple filtering devices share common mounting structures and control mechanisms, allowing the system to perform multiple functions (different filtering levels, bypass mode) without proportionally increasing complexity. This resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering devices are arranged in a nested or compact configuration where multiple filtering elements are integrated within a single assembly structure. The driving device and mounting structures are shared or overlapping, reducing the overall space and complexity required to accommodate multiple filtering devices, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
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 design enhances imaging quality in dark environments by allowing more light to reach the image sensor, aligning with actual usage requirements and maintaining cleanliness to prevent light deviation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first filtering device and the second filtering device is capable of moving to a respective preset position for filtering incoming light; and a light transmittance of the first filtering device is smaller than a light transmittance of the second filtering device.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an imaging assembly and a camera including the imaging assembly. The imaging assembly comprises: an installing support; filtering devices installed to the installing support and movable relative to the installing support, the filtering devices comprising a first filtering device and a second filtering device; and an image sensor installed to the installing support and configured to receive a light signal filtered by the filtering devices. The first filtering device and the second filtering device each is capable of moving to a respective preset position for filtering incoming light; and light transmittance of the first filtering device is smaller than light transmittance of the second filtering device. With such design, the filtering devices having different light transmittances can be used respectively in a bright environment and in a dark environment, thereby increasing imaging quality in a dark environment, and thus being more in line with actual usage requirements.