Multi-band Image Capture Using Liquid Crystal Filter Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-band image photographing methods are complicated and costly due to the need for manual or mechanical filter replacement and the use of specialized image sensors, making it difficult to capture clear visible light and infrared images in various lighting environments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band image photographing apparatus using a general image sensor with a light adjustment controller and optical filter unit that selectively positions an infrared blocking or transmission filter on the optical path based on environmental infrared light levels, allowing for easy acquisition and synthesis of visible light, infrared, and broadband images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual or mechanical filter replacement is used to capture multi-band images, then visible light and infrared images can be acquired, but the photographing process becomes complicated and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static manual filter replacement with a dynamic liquid crystal filter that can electronically switch between different wavelength transmission states. The liquid crystal filter changes its optical properties dynamically based on applied voltage, enabling seamless transition between visible light and infrared transmission without mechanical movement or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter replacement system with an electronic control system. Instead of using mechanical filters that require physical replacement, the invention uses a liquid crystal filter controlled by voltage signals, substituting mechanical operations with electronic control to simplify the photographing process.
2Measurement precision
If specialized image sensors or multiple image sensors are used to capture multi-band images, then clear visible light and infrared images can be acquired, but hardware configuration becomes complicated and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by enabling a single general-purpose image sensor to capture multiple wavelength bands (visible light and infrared) through the liquid crystal filter. The same sensor performs multiple functions by capturing different spectral information at different times, eliminating the need for specialized infrared sensors or multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standard, inexpensive general-purpose image sensor instead of expensive specialized infrared sensors. The liquid crystal filter acts as a temporary, reconfigurable optical element that enables the cheap sensor to temporarily capture infrared information when needed, replacing the need for expensive permanent infrared sensing hardware.
3Ease of manufacture
If a general image sensor is used without filter adjustment, then the sensor can capture visible light images, but infrared light distorts color information and saturates the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by blocking infrared light before it reaches the image sensor during visible light photography. The liquid crystal filter is configured in advance to block infrared wavelengths when capturing visible light images, preventing infrared contamination of color information before it can affect the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal filter serves as an intermediary between the infrared light source and the image sensor. It selectively transmits or blocks infrared light based on control signals, mediating the interaction between infrared radiation and the sensor to prevent unwanted infrared effects during visible light capture while enabling infrared capture when needed.
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 simple and efficient capture of clear multi-band images in various lighting conditions using a single general image sensor and filter, improving image visibility and object recognition in different environments.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filter unit including an infrared blocking filter area and an infrared transmission filter area, the optical filter unit being configured to selectively transmit visible light by moving and arranging the infrared blocking filter area on an optical path or transmit the infrared light by moving and arranging the infrared transmission filter area on the optical path
Implementation Method 2
a lighting unit configured to emit infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-band image capturing apparatus and method for capturing multi-band images, including visible and infrared images, by using a light adjustment filter, the apparatus comprising: a camera unit for acquiring multi-band images including visible and infrared images; a lighting unit for emitting infrared rays; an optical filter unit which includes a hot mirror filter region and an infrared transmission filter region, and which selectively transmits visible light therethrough by moving and arranging the hot mirror filter region onto an optical path or transmits infrared rays therethrough by moving and arranging the infrared transmission filter region onto the optical path; and a light adjustment control unit for controlling the camera unit, the lighting unit and the optical filter unit, wherein the light adjustment control unit determines a light level on the basis of the light intensity of infrared rays in an photography environment so as to control the lighting unit so that infrared rays corresponding to the determined light level are emitted, and control the optical filter unit so that the hot mirror filter region or the infrared transmitting filter region is moved and arranged onto the optical path in correspondence to a light wavelength band image to be acquired by the camera unit.