Night-Vision Optical Device Automatic Infrared-Cut Filter Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional night-vision optical devices require manual switching between daytime and night modes, which is inconvenient and prone to errors, as users must manually install and remove filter covers, and there is a risk of losing these covers.
Innovation Solution
A night-vision optical device with an automatic infrared-cut function, featuring an ambient light sensor, a lens module with an electromagnetic driving assembly and filter member, and a digital signal processor that automatically adjusts the filter position based on ambient light levels to switch between IR-cut and night modes, eliminating the need for manual filter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual filter covers are used for switching between daytime and night modes, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and reliability worsens due to manual installation and removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of installing and removing filter covers with an electromagnetic driving assembly that automatically moves the filter member between positions. The electromagnetic driving assembly includes a driving coil and magnetic member that generate electromagnetic force to move the filter member along the optical axis, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention and improving ease of operation while maintaining controlled functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the ambient light sensor to automatically detect lighting conditions and trigger the electromagnetic driving assembly to position the filter member appropriately. The digital signal processor receives sensor data and controls the electromagnetic driving assembly without user intervention, allowing the device to service itself based on environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If manual filter covers are used for mode switching, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of losing filter covers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter member with the lens module structure, where the filter member is integrated into the lens barrel and moved by the electromagnetic driving assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate, removable filter covers that can be lost, ensuring the filter component remains reliably attached to the device while maintaining functionality through automated positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the unreliable manual mechanical system of removable filter covers with an electromagnetic driving system that securely positions the filter member within the lens module. The electromagnetic force provides reliable, repeatable positioning without the risk of component loss, enhancing system reliability through controlled automated operation.
3Extent of automation
If automatic infrared-cut function is implemented with electromagnetic driving assembly, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves automatic operation by using the ambient light sensor to detect lighting conditions and the digital signal processor to automatically control the electromagnetic driving assembly. The device serves itself by transitioning between IR-cut mode and night mode based on environmental light levels, eliminating the need for manual user input and achieving full automation of the filter switching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter member serves multiple functions by being positioned in different locations: when moved to the first position, it blocks infrared light for daytime IR-cut mode, and when moved to the second position, it allows infrared light passage for night mode. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single automated component controlled by the electromagnetic driving assembly and digital signal processor, managing complexity through versatile design.
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
The device provides seamless switching between daytime and night modes without the need for manual filter adjustments, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of lost components, while maintaining image quality by controlling exposure and filtering infrared components appropriately.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient light sensor configured to detect ambient light level around the night-vision optical device
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic driving assembly configured to drive the filter member between a first position and a second position along an optical axis of the lens element
Implementation Method 3
In response to the ambient light level satisfying a predetermined condition, the digital signal processor controls the night-vision optical device to enter a first mode... In response to the ambient light level not satisfying a predetermined condition, the digital signal processor controls the night-vision optical device to enter a second mode
Data Source
AI summary
A night-vision optical device is provided, including a main body, a lens module, and a display module. The lens module includes an aperture element, a lens element, an electromagnetic driving assembly, an image sensor, and a digital signal processor. In response to an ambient light level around the night-vision optical device satisfying a predetermined condition, the digital signal processor (DSP) controls the night-vision optical device to enter a first mode, and controls the electromagnetic driving assembly to drive a first portion of a filter member to a first position to align an optical axis of the lens element. In response to the ambient light level not satisfying a predetermined condition, the DSP controls the night-vision optical device to enter a second mode, and controls the electromagnetic driving assembly to drive the second portion of the filter member to the first position.