Variable Neutral Density Filter Control for Imaging Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses require multiple operating members to control the insertion and removal of variable neutral density filters, which complicates the adjustment of light transmittance, leading to reduced operability and insufficient brightness in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a single operating member that controls both the insertion/removal and transmittance adjustment of a variable neutral density filter, utilizing a filter control unit to manage the filter's insertion/removal and transmittance changes based on detected operations, and sets dead zones to validate operations and prevent unintended changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable neutral density filter is used to adjust exposure in varying illuminance conditions, then the adaptability to different lighting environments is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring multiple operating members for filter insertion/removal and transmittance control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter insertion/removal function and transmittance adjustment function into a single operating member (the operation amount/direction detecting unit). By merging these two previously separate functions into one control interface, the system reduces the number of operating members from two to one, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect both the direction and amount of operation to control both filter insertion/removal and transmittance adjustment. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what previously required two separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple operating members are used for filter insertion/removal and transmittance adjustment, then the reliability of control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring multiple separate actions
Solution Approach 1:
By merging filter insertion/removal control and transmittance adjustment control into a single operating member, the system maintains reliable control through unified detection of operation direction and amount. The single interface reduces the complexity of coordinating multiple separate actions, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving control reliability through the integrated detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically responds to the direction and amount of operation on the single operating member. By detecting both the direction (for insertion/removal vs. transmittance adjustment) and amount (for degree of transmittance change or timing of insertion/removal), the system provides dynamic, context-appropriate control that simplifies user interaction while maintaining precise and reliable control over the filter system.
3Illumination intensity
If the transmittance of the variable neutral density filter is increased to improve brightness in dark environments, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring additional mechanisms for filter insertion/removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter insertion/removal mechanism control with the transmittance adjustment control into a single operating member. This integration means that the same interface used for transmittance adjustment can also control filter insertion and removal, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve high transmittance for improved brightness in dark environments.
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 solution simplifies the operation of adjusting light transmittance by using a single control member, ensuring sufficient brightness in various lighting conditions and enhancing user operability while preventing unintended filter changes during image recording.
Implementation Method 1
by applying a voltage to the filter, it is possible to control the molecular direction inside the filter, and variably control the light reduction rate (transmittance)
Data Source
AI summary
A filter insertion/removal unit that is capable of removing and inserting a variable neutral density filter having a variable transmittance from and into the incident light path of object light to an imaging device unit is instructed to insert the variable neutral density filter, and a variable transmittance drive unit is instructed to lower the transmittance of the variable neutral density filter, both on the basis of detection of a transmittance lowering operation of an operating unit. Also, the variable transmittance drive unit is instructed to raise the transmittance of the variable neutral density filter, and the filter insertion/removal unit is instructed to remove the variable neutral density filter from the incident light path, both on the basis of detection of a transmittance raising operation of the operating unit.