WO2005043890A1 - Dispositif d'imagerie - Google Patents
Dispositif d'imagerie Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2005043890A1 WO2005043890A1 PCT/GB2004/003636 GB2004003636W WO2005043890A1 WO 2005043890 A1 WO2005043890 A1 WO 2005043890A1 GB 2004003636 W GB2004003636 W GB 2004003636W WO 2005043890 A1 WO2005043890 A1 WO 2005043890A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- imaging device
- light
- imaging
- camera
- infra
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/56—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof provided with illuminating means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/10—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths
- H04N23/11—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths for generating image signals from visible and infrared light wavelengths
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/30—Transforming light or analogous information into electric information
- H04N5/33—Transforming infrared radiation
Definitions
- This invention relates to an imaging device for use in viewing and /or recording images and/ or video in varying light conditions
- the present invention can be used in one embodiment to view and/or record moving images and also still images. Typically the viewing can occur in ambient light levels ranging from zero to high.
- Cameras whether for still or moving images conventionally include a lens, sensor and a viewfinder which allow the user to place and point the camera at a particular object and when content with the image, the camera can be triggered to capture and/or record the said video image, either by recording the image in a digital data memory, or alternatively by recording the same on a photo sensitive image film, or by simply displaying the image via the device.
- a common problem is that if the ambient light level is relatively low then if a colour lens or sensor is provided in the camera, the resultant recorded image is at best dark or at worst indistinguishable.
- the core parts of electronic digital colour and black and white sensors and lenses are the same.
- an infra-red filter is added typically between the lens and the sensor to remove the non-visible infra-red light.
- the sensors are typically most sensitive to infra-red light and if this is not filtered out, it is difficult to obtain true colour images.
- the lens is surface coated with a suitable material to act as the filter.
- a small piece of glass that has been suitably coated can be placed in the light path, typically between the lens and sensor.
- the colour sensor is typically a converted black and white sensor with the pixels coated with red green or blue filters, the combination of which produces colour images.
- CMOS complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor
- CCD charge-coup devices
- CMOS sensors complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor sensors
- colour information is poor, such that the resulting video is of lower quality, often being too dark if no gain is used or too noisy if colour gain extrapolates the poor data.
- Low light cameras as used in security devices and other devices such as night vision goggles, utilise a sensor device sensitive to light in the infra-red range of the electromagnetic spectrum rather than that in the visible light range.
- a sensor device sensitive to light in the infra-red range of the electromagnetic spectrum rather than that in the visible light range.
- such devices are not suitable for use in normal or high light conditions, as the sensor can overload, resulting in whiteout, if not compensated for.
- such devices may only produce greyscale video, which is not necessarily suitable for a user's requirements.
- such cameras still produce poor results when there is no source of illumination, or as the ambient light level approaches the sensors lower limit of light detection.
- camera imaging device including at least one sensing means for detecting the ambient light level, at least one or more imaging means for viewing and/or capturing still and/or moving images, and switching means, characterised in that in response to the ambient light level detected, the switching means is controlled to selectively operate said one or more imaging means and/or an indication is generated as to the imaging means or imaging means mode of operation which should be used for capturing said images at that instant of use.
- a camera imaging device including at least one sensing means for detecting the ambient light level, at least one imaging means for viewing and/or capturing still and/or moving images, and switching means, such that in response to the ambient light level detected, one or more imaging means are rendered operable by actuation of said switching means or are indicated as being the imaging means which should be used for capturing still and/or moving images at that instant of use.
- the sensing means includes a first sensor, said sensor set to a predetermined trigger level and if the light level is above said level a first, colour viewing lens and sensor is used and if the light level is below said level a second, black and white and/or infra red viewing lens and sensor is used.
- the same or a further sensor is used to detect light level with respect to a second, typically lower predetermined light trigger level and in this case the second viewing lens and sensor is used but if the light level drops below said second trigger level, a light source on the device or connected thereto is illuminated.
- At least one light source is provided to provide visible and/ or infra-red light in the environment of the imaging device when the ambient light level falls below the predefined second trigger level.
- the first lens and sensor when the user is operating the camera under good light conditions, the first lens and sensor is used to provide a still and/ or video image in colour. However, if the light level drops below the first trigger level an indication is provided to the user and/or the camera can automatically switch to the second lens and sensor allowing the still and/or video image to be in black and white with better clarity than would be the case with the colour lens. If the light level improves to above the first trigger level, the camera may be switched back either manually or automatically to use the colour sensor.
- the device can illuminate the surrounding environment especially when ambient light level decreases below a second trigger level.
- the light source is a visible light source
- this may also allow the user to record the image in colour even at the lower ambient light level when the visible light source is illuminated.
- one or two photo-sensitive detectors are incorporated to monitor the light level, such that when the ambient light level reaches a predefined trigger level, the sensor from which the data is recorded or the image captured on film is changed.
- the device switches automatically between the sensors in response to the detected light level.
- the lens and sensor arrangement used is switched manually by the user in response to an indication generated by the device or at the discretion of the user.
- An advantage of using an infra-red light source is that it allows the area to be covertly illuminated with respect to normal human sight, which may be useful in a device designed for security functions amongst others where it can be beneficial to prevent the alert to the presence of such a device.
- the imaging device in accordance with the invention can be utilised to provide a security or monitoring function even when the light in the environment being monitored varies. For example, if the environment is a baby in a cot, the imaging device can continue to monitor by changing the lens and sensor used and if necessary providing the illumination of the surrounding environment as the light in the environment decreases.
- the external light source can be operated automatically or manually by a user
- the device includes a switch, said switch being provided to prevent automatic illumination at a specified ambient light level.
- An advantage of the present invention is that it allows a user to continue recording uninterrupted if preferred whilst maintaining a reasonable quality of image output when light conditions change.
- filtering means are provided, wherein in response to the ambient light levels detected, the imaging means is rendered operable by actuation of the switching means to adjust the filtering means.
- the imaging means comprises one or more colour viewing lenses and/or sensors, preferably in the form of CCDs or CMOS.
- the filtering means is an infra-red (IR) filter and may be moved between at least two positions; a first position wherein the filter is placed in the light-path of the imaging means, and a second position where it is not in the light-path of the imaging means.
- IR infra-red
- the switching means allows the filter to be moved between first and second positions.
- the switching means may be automatic according to the ambient light levels detected, or may be manually operated.
- the colour sensors which are typically much more sensitive to infra-red light than visible light, operate with the IR filter placed in the light path of the same, thereby preventing infra-red light from overloading the colour signal and distorting the colour balance of the generated image.
- the IR filter is removed from the light path of the sensors, such that infra-red light forms the main signal captured.
- each of the three aforementioned colour pixels may be viewed as individual black and white pixels thereby tripling the number of pixels, or a single individual pixel formed from the said three pixel units may be combined thereby increasing the brightness of the single pixel.
- the resolution of the image formed therefrom and/or the sensitivity of the device is improved.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figures 2a-b describes two possible operating modes of an imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of an imaging device according a further embodiment of the invention.
- a camera imaging device 2 comprising a housing 14, a colour lens and sensor arrangement 4, and a black and white and/ or infra red lens and sensor arrangement 6.
- the sensors are CCDs connected to output means which may allow the display and/or recording of moving images or still images in response to a user selection.
- the device is illustrated with light detection means in the form of a photo-sensitive detector such as a photodiode 8 to monitor the ambient light level.
- a photo-sensitive detector such as a photodiode 8 to monitor the ambient light level.
- the device is illustrated with a light source 10 to provide visible and/or infra-red light externally when the ambient light level falls below a trigger level.
- the device is illustrated with a viewfinder 12 which aids the user in framing the desired image.
- FIG 2a- b there is illustrated two examples of how the device would operate given different lighting conditions and system configuration.
- the colour lens and sensor under normal or 'HIGH' light conditions, the colour lens and sensor is operated and captures image data which is passed to memory means. However, when the light level falls below a trigger level, indicated as 'LOW, the lens and/or sensor which is used is switched to the black and white lens and/or sensor and th.e image data used is taken from that lens and/or sensor. If the ambient light level is then detected as falling below a second trigger level indicated as 'VERY LOW, a light source, in this example an infra-red light, is switched on to illuminate the area of interest and improve the clarity of the image data. In addition it should be noted that the infra red light source and sensor arrangement will operate successfully in conditions where ambient light is negligible or absent completely ('ZERO'). In an alternative arrangement shown in Figure 2b , in normal light conditions, the colour lens provides the capture of data for the image. However, should the detected light level fall below the first trigger level, the light source is switched on to illuminate the area of interest.
- a trigger level indicated as
- FIG. 3 there is illustrated a further embodiment of the device which includes a colour lens and sensor arrangement 4 only, without the black and white and/ or infra red lens and sensor arrangement as hereinbefore described.
- the device includes an infra-red filter 18 which may be moved over the lens/sensor arrangement 4 thereby filtering out the infra-red light.
- the filter can be slid along rails 16, although it could be moveably mounted in a number of alternative ways, for example via pivoting means.
- Colour sensors are typically five times more sensitive to infrared light than they are to visible light, so when the filter is positioned so that it is not filtering the light reaching the sensor, the image data captured is predominantly infra-red. When the filter is moved so that it filters the light reaching the sensor, colour image data is captured.
- the filter 18 When the camera is used under normal or high light conditions, the filter 18 is positioned in front of the sensor 4, thereby allowing the camera to capture colour images. However, when the light level falls to a low level, the filter 18 may be moved away from the sensor 4, either manually by the user in response to an indication of the light level sensed by the photodiode 8, or automatically by switching means connected to the same. The light under these conditions is no longer filtered, such that the camera receives a predominantly infra-red signal and thus captures black-and-white images. If the ambient light level falls further, an infra-red light source 10, may be switched on to illuminate the area of interest and improve the signal received by the camera.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Studio Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0323624.7A GB0323624D0 (en) | 2003-10-09 | 2003-10-09 | Imaging device |
GB0323624.7 | 2003-10-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2005043890A1 true WO2005043890A1 (fr) | 2005-05-12 |
Family
ID=29433550
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2004/003636 WO2005043890A1 (fr) | 2003-10-09 | 2004-08-26 | Dispositif d'imagerie |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB0323624D0 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2005043890A1 (fr) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007069892A1 (fr) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-06-21 | Internova Holding Bvba | Système d'appareils photo |
GB2444951A (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2008-06-25 | Camdeor Technology Co Ltd | Surveillance camera with solar detector |
WO2012117235A3 (fr) * | 2011-02-28 | 2013-01-10 | 360 Vision Technology Limited | Ensemble caméra de sécurité |
EP2713603A3 (fr) * | 2012-09-28 | 2014-04-30 | LG Innotek Co., Ltd. | Appareil de télévision |
EP3621291A4 (fr) * | 2017-05-31 | 2020-04-08 | Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd. | Procédé et dispositif de commande pour caméras doubles |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5070407A (en) * | 1990-05-11 | 1991-12-03 | Wheeler Ernest E | Filter changing mechanism for a video camera |
WO2001010129A1 (fr) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-02-08 | Insight Technologies, Inc. Dba Scopus Optoelectronic Systems | Systeme de cameras compact multi-usage comprenant des cameras et des emetteurs infrarouges |
-
2003
- 2003-10-09 GB GBGB0323624.7A patent/GB0323624D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2004
- 2004-08-26 WO PCT/GB2004/003636 patent/WO2005043890A1/fr active Application Filing
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5070407A (en) * | 1990-05-11 | 1991-12-03 | Wheeler Ernest E | Filter changing mechanism for a video camera |
WO2001010129A1 (fr) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-02-08 | Insight Technologies, Inc. Dba Scopus Optoelectronic Systems | Systeme de cameras compact multi-usage comprenant des cameras et des emetteurs infrarouges |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007069892A1 (fr) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-06-21 | Internova Holding Bvba | Système d'appareils photo |
GB2444951A (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2008-06-25 | Camdeor Technology Co Ltd | Surveillance camera with solar detector |
WO2012117235A3 (fr) * | 2011-02-28 | 2013-01-10 | 360 Vision Technology Limited | Ensemble caméra de sécurité |
EP2713603A3 (fr) * | 2012-09-28 | 2014-04-30 | LG Innotek Co., Ltd. | Appareil de télévision |
US9648280B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2017-05-09 | Lg Innotek Co., Ltd. | TV apparatus |
EP3621291A4 (fr) * | 2017-05-31 | 2020-04-08 | Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd. | Procédé et dispositif de commande pour caméras doubles |
US11184536B2 (en) | 2017-05-31 | 2021-11-23 | Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd. | Method for controlling a dual camera unit and device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0323624D0 (en) | 2003-11-12 |
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