Rotating Filter Disk for Continuous ND Transmittance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ND filters struggle to continuously change light transmittance and switch between filters efficiently, leading to difficulties in real-time luminance adjustments and faster filter switching.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with a disk containing multiple filters, including an ND filter with continuously variable transmittance, is rotated to align the appropriate filter with the optical axis, allowing for continuous transmittance adjustment and easy filter switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ND filter is used, then the filter structure is simple, but it is difficult to continuously change the light transmittance and switch between filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the filter arrangement changeable through rotation. A disk-shaped filter holder contains multiple ND filters with different transmittances, and by rotating the holder, different filters can be positioned in the optical path. This enables continuous adjustment of light transmittance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are provided for different transmittances, then continuous transmittance adjustment is enabled, but filter switching becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the filter system into multiple discrete ND filters with different transmittances, arranged radially on a disk. Each filter occupies a specific angular position, allowing rapid selection by rotating the disk to the desired position. This segmented approach enables quick filter switching without requiring complex mechanisms, reducing time loss while maintaining continuous transmittance adjustment capability.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable disk with multiple filters is used, then filter switching is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional rotatable disk that simultaneously achieves multiple objectives: it holds multiple ND filters, enables rapid switching between them, and provides continuous transmittance adjustment. The disk mechanism serves as a universal solution that integrates filter storage, selection, and positioning functions, simplifying the overall device while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a filter unit, a filter selection method, and an imaging device that allow continuously changing a transmittance of an ND filter and switching between filters to be performed more easily. A disk provided with a plurality of filters including an ND filter having a continuously variable transmittance is rotated to cause a filter corresponding to a rotational orientation of the disk among the plurality of filters provided on the disk to be arranged on an optical axis of incident light toward an image sensor. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a filter unit, an imaging device, electronic equipment, a filter selection method, a program, or the like.