Photographing Apparatus Light Filtering Unit Temporal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems face challenges in obtaining high-quality images in low illumination environments due to decreased light and increased noise, and existing solutions for light compensation, such as spectral image fusion, are costly and bulky, hindering device miniaturization and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A photographing apparatus and method that uses a control unit, light filtering unit, and image sensor to selectively transmit and block visible and infrared light in different exposure intervals without a light-splitting prism, allowing for time division imaging and reducing the size and cost of the device while improving image synthesis accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If spectral image fusion technology is used to obtain visible light image and infrared image separately, then image quality in low illumination environment is improved, but device size and cost increase due to light-splitting prism and multiple image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching of light filters to alternately transmit visible light and infrared light to the image sensor at different time intervals. The control unit switches between first light filter (transmits visible light, blocks infrared) and second light filter (transmits infrared, blocks visible light) in a periodic manner, enabling temporal separation of spectral imaging without requiring spatial separation through light-splitting prisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching of optical filters based on imaging requirements. The light filtering unit dynamically changes its transmission characteristics by switching between different filter configurations controlled by the control unit, allowing the system to adapt between visible light imaging and infrared imaging modes as needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If spectral image fusion technology is used to obtain visible light image and infrared image separately, then image quality in low illumination environment is improved, but device cost increases due to light-splitting prism and multiple image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple image sensors into a single image sensor by using temporal multiplexing. Instead of requiring separate sensors for visible light and infrared imaging, the system uses a single sensor that captures both spectral bands at different time intervals, eliminating the need for expensive multiple sensor assemblies and light-splitting optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the spectral separation function from the optical path by moving it to the temporal domain. Instead of separating visible and infrared light spatially through prisms and beam splitters, the system extracts each spectral band sequentially in time using filter switching, thereby eliminating costly optical separation components.
3Manufacturing precision
If exposure time is increased to increase amount of light entering the camera, then image quality is improved, but smearing occurs when capturing high-speed moving vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic filter switching synchronized with short exposure intervals to capture both visible and infrared light. By alternating between visible light filter and infrared light filter at high speed, the system achieves adequate light accumulation for each spectral band without requiring long exposure times that would cause motion blur in high-speed scenarios.
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 reduces the size and cost of image capture devices, enhances product compatibility, and improves image quality by minimizing picture motion errors and maintaining real color information, even in high-speed motion scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
transparently transmit visible light in incident light and block infrared light in the incident light in a first image exposure interval
Implementation Method 2
transparently transmit the infrared light in the incident light in a first time period of a second image exposure interval, and block the incident light in a second time period of the second image exposure interval
Implementation Method 3
perform photoelectric imaging on a light ray that is in the incident light and that passes through the light filtering unit in the first image exposure interval, to obtain a first image
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a photographing apparatus and method, and relates to the field of image processing. When a high-quality image in a low illumination environment is obtained, costs are reduced, a size is reduced, and product compatibility is improved. The method includes: controlling a light filtering unit to: transparently transmit visible light in incident light and block infrared light in the incident light in a first image exposure interval, transparently transmit the infrared light in the incident light in a first time period of a second image exposure interval, and block the incident light in a second time period of the second image exposure interval; performing, by using an image sensor to obtain a first image, and performing photoelectric imaging on a light ray to obtain a second image; and synthesizing the first image and the second image, to generate a first target image.