Adaptive Optical Image Stabilizer for Mobile Camera Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical image stabilizers (OIS) in mobile communication devices face challenges such as non-uniform stabilization, mechanical errors, and increased noise levels, leading to blurry images and degraded user experience during image and video capture, especially due to smaller components and varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an adaptive OIS that selectively operates based on image context, such as light intensity, zoom level, and environmental factors, to optimize exposure time and compensate for camera movements, thereby reducing the need for image gain and minimizing mechanical defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical image stabilizer is implemented in mobile devices with smaller cameras, then camera stabilization is achieved, but mechanical errors increase and image quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of OIS operation modes based on real-time image context analysis. The system transitions between different stabilization strategies (e.g., full stabilization, partial stabilization, or no stabilization) depending on factors like subject motion, lighting conditions, and scene complexity, allowing the smaller OIS to optimize performance for each capture scenario rather than using a fixed mechanical approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the OIS based on image context, including adjusting stabilization intensity, exposure time modifications, and gain application levels. By dynamically modifying these parameters according to scene requirements, the system compensates for the inherent mechanical precision limitations of smaller OIS components
2Illumination intensity
If exposure time is increased to allow enough light for smaller pixels, then image brightness is improved, but camera movement causes blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts exposure time based on image context and OIS performance. In scenarios where the OIS can effectively stabilize the image, the system increases exposure time to improve brightness. When stabilization effectiveness is limited, the system reduces exposure time to prevent motion blur, creating a dynamic balance between brightness and sharpness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from image context analysis and OIS performance monitoring to continuously adjust exposure time. By analyzing the captured image quality and stabilization effectiveness in real-time, the system modifies exposure parameters for subsequent captures, learning from previous results to optimize the brightness-sharpness tradeoff
3Illumination intensity
If gain is applied to amplify the image signal, then image brightness is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the gain parameter based on image context and OIS performance. By adjusting gain levels adaptively rather than applying fixed gain, the system minimizes noise introduction while maintaining adequate brightness. The system selects optimal gain parameters that balance signal amplification with noise suppression
4Adaptability or versatility
If OIS operates in all conditions, then stabilization coverage is maximized, but mechanical errors and non-uniform stabilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial stabilization by selectively applying OIS only to portions of the image or to specific motion ranges based on scene analysis. Instead of attempting to stabilize all image content uniformly, the system focuses stabilization efforts on critical regions or appropriate motion thresholds, reducing the demand on the mechanical OIS system and improving overall stabilization uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the scope and intensity of OIS operation based on image context. In scenes with minimal motion or where stabilization is less critical, the system reduces or disables OIS operation, preventing the introduction of mechanical errors and non-uniform stabilization artifacts while maintaining adaptability to conditions where stabilization is most beneficial
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems of adapting an optical image stabilizer (OIS) for a camera, the methods comprising acquiring an image of the scene; obtaining image context associated with the image of the scene; selecting a mode of operating the OIS based on the obtained image context; and, applying the OIS using the selected mode of operation.