Image Stabilization Using Accelerometer and Proximity Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image stabilization methods fail to effectively compensate for linear translational motion in image capture devices, particularly at close object distances, leading to blurred or illegible images, especially when capturing small objects.
Innovation Solution
An image stabilization apparatus comprising accelerometers and a proximity sensor, which processes acceleration and distance data to generate correction data, allowing for the calculation and compensation of linear displacement, thereby reducing image blurring. This apparatus can be integrated into image capture devices like mobile phones, using either mechanical or computational means to stabilize images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotational motion compensation is employed using gyroscopes, then rotational image degradation is improved, but linear translational motion degradation remains unaddressed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the motion compensation function into two distinct parts: rotational motion compensation using gyroscopes and linear translational motion compensation using accelerometers. This segmentation allows each sensor type to specialize in compensating for its respective motion type, thereby resolving the technical contradiction where rotational compensation was achieved but translational compensation remained deficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the outputs of gyroscopic sensors and accelerometer sensors through a unified image stabilization processor that combines rotational compensation data and translational compensation data to generate comprehensive correction data. This merging enables simultaneous compensation for both rotational and linear translational motion, addressing the limitation of using only one sensor type.
2Measurement precision
If distance between object plane and image capture device is reduced, then detailed capture of small objects is improved, but linear translational motion degradation becomes dominant
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by using accelerometers to detect and measure linear translational motion before it significantly degrades the captured image. The system proactively calculates translational compensation data based on accelerometer measurements and applies this compensation to the captured image, preventing the motion blur that would otherwise occur when capturing small objects at close distances.
3Measurement precision
If accelerometers are arranged in L-shaped or T-shaped configuration, then linear and angular accelerations are accurately determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies multi-functionality by designing the accelerometer arrangement (L-shaped or T-shaped) to simultaneously perform multiple measurement functions: detecting linear acceleration along multiple axes and detecting angular acceleration about pitch and yaw axes. This universal measurement capability allows a single sensor configuration to provide comprehensive motion data for both translational and rotational compensation, reducing the need for additional sensors despite the increased spatial arrangement complexity.
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
The solution effectively reduces image blurring by accurately calculating and compensating for linear motion, improving image clarity, especially when capturing small objects at close distances, and can be implemented in various image capture devices, including mobile phones.
Implementation Method 1
plurality of accelerometers, each arranged to determine an acceleration along an axis of a plane parallel to a focal plane of an image capture device
Implementation Method 2
The proximity sensor may obtain a measurement indicative of the distance between the focal plane of the image capture device and an object plane
Implementation Method 3
The processor may process the distance data and the acceleration data to produce correction data to correct image data captured by an image capture device that was in motion
Data Source
AI summary
An image stabilization apparatus includes accelerometers, a proximity sensor and a processor. Each accelerometer determines acceleration along an axis of a plane parallel to a focal plane of an image capture device. The accelerometers output respective acceleration data to the processor. The proximity sensor obtains a measurement of the distance between the focal plane of the image capture device and an object plane. The proximity sensor outputs distance data to the processor. The processor processes the distance data and the acceleration data to produce correction data to correct image data captured during motion of the image capture device.