Optical Filter Mode Switching for Adaptive Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices lack efficient methods to automatically adjust the operation modes of optical filters based on varying ambient light conditions, which can result in suboptimal image quality due to insufficient adaptation to different lighting scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a processor to determine the brightness value of ambient light, compare it to a threshold, and switch between operation modes of an optical filter, such as day or night modes, by capturing images with visible and infrared light, calculating differences, and adjusting exposure values to adapt to changing lighting conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the optical filter operation mode is manually adjusted for different lighting scenarios, then image quality can be optimized for specific conditions, but the device cannot automatically adapt to changing ambient light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to lighting conditionsVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects ambient light conditions and switches optical filter modes without user intervention. The processor continuously monitors brightness values and autonomously determines when to switch between day and night modes, making the device self-adaptive to changing lighting environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses brightness detection feedback to control mode switching. By continuously measuring ambient light brightness and comparing it against thresholds, the system receives real-time feedback about lighting conditions and adjusts the optical filter mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the system continuously monitors ambient light to determine brightness values, then automatic mode switching accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness value accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs brightness detection and mode switching only when necessary - when ambient light conditions change. Rather than continuously analyzing all image parameters, the system focuses on key brightness thresholds and switching conditions, reducing unnecessary processing while maintaining accurate adaptation to lighting changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If the optical filter mode switching is based on simple brightness thresholds, then the switching speed is fast, but the accuracy of determining appropriate modes for complex lighting scenarios decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching speedVSAvoidmode determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic brightness thresholds and switching conditions that can adapt to different operating scenarios. Rather than fixed thresholds, the system evaluates multiple factors including current mode, ambient brightness values, and switching conditions to dynamically determine the appropriate mode, enabling both fast response and accurate decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3476114B1Systems and methods for changing operation modes of the optical filter of an imaging device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 ZHEJIANG DAHUA TECH CO LTD
  • EP3476114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476114B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476114B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes a storage device storing a set of instructions and at least one processor in communication with the storage device. When executing the instructions, the at least one processor is configured to cause the system to obtain a first operation mode of the optical filter and determine a brightness value of visible light of ambient light. The at least one processor may also cause the system to obtain a brightness threshold related to the first operation mode, compare the brightness value of the visible light of the ambient light with the brightness threshold, and determine whether a switching condition is satisfied based on the comparison result. Upon the determination that the switching condition is satisfied, the at least one processor may further cause the system to switch the first operation mode of the optical filter to a second operation mode.