UAV Camera Filter Glass for Day-Night Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in operating effectively in both bright and low light conditions due to overexposure and underexposure issues, which degrade camera performance and hinder safe navigation and obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of filter glass in UAV onboard camera systems that limits visible light exposure in bright conditions and allows infrared light transmission in low light conditions, combined with a weather sealing enclosure and protective coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the camera system uses standard glass without filtering, then visible light transmission is maximized for daytime operation, but overexposure occurs in bright light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a day/night filter glass that changes its optical properties based on lighting conditions. During daytime, the filter blocks excessive visible light to prevent overexposure while maintaining sufficient transmission for adequate image brightness. The filter's optical parameters are specifically designed to attenuate visible spectrum light in bright conditions while allowing infrared transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter glass is constructed as a composite material combining multiple optical filtering layers. This composite structure enables simultaneous visible light filtering during daytime and infrared transmission during nighttime, resolving the contradiction between visible light transmission and overexposure prevention by integrating multiple optical functions in a single component.
2Illumination intensity
If the camera system uses infrared blocking filter, then visible light capture is improved, but infrared light transmission is blocked during low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The day/night filter glass changes its spectral transmission parameters based on ambient lighting conditions. In low light conditions, the filter's optical parameters allow infrared light transmission while maintaining visible light filtering, enabling the camera to capture sufficient light for nighttime operation without blocking beneficial infrared radiation.
3Reliability
If filter glass is added to the camera system, then light exposure control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the day/night filtering function with the existing camera lens structure by integrating the filter glass directly into the lens assembly. This consolidation approach improves light exposure control while minimizing the increase in device complexity by combining multiple functions (filtering, focusing, and protection) into a unified optical component rather than adding separate elements.
4Illumination intensity
If the camera operates in bright light without filtering, then image brightness is sufficient, but overexposure degrades navigation and obstacle detection
Solution Approach 1:
The filter glass is designed with specific optical parameters that allow sufficient visible light transmission during daytime to maintain adequate image brightness for navigation and obstacle detection. By carefully controlling the transmission ratio and spectral characteristics, the filter prevents overexposure while ensuring enough light reaches the sensor for accurate measurement and detection functions.
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
Enhances camera performance by preventing overexposure in bright light and ensuring sufficient infrared light capture in low light, thereby improving navigation and obstacle detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The filter glass of the present disclosure can be tailored to limit visible light and prevent overexposure of the camera sensor in bright light conditions
Implementation Method 2
The filter glass of the present disclosure can be tailored to limit visible light and prevent overexposure of the camera sensor in bright light conditions, while permitting maximal infrared light transmission during low light conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for using an onboard camera capable of day and night operation on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes: traveling along a route of the UAV at night; and acquiring an aerial image with an onboard camera. The onboard camera includes: a sensor device for receiving photons and converting the photons into photoelectrons; a processor for processing the photoelectrons into an image file; a lens positioned adjacent to the sensor device for focusing the photons on the sensor device; and a filter positioned adjacent an outer surface of the lens. The filter can permit photons in the infrared light spectrum to pass to the lens, and attenuate at least a portion of the photons in the visible light spectrum prior to reaching the lens.