Aerial Camera Shutter Synchronization for Parasitic Light Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial photography faces challenges such as rolling shutter effects, mechanical shutter wear, and parasitic light signal (PLS) artifacts, which degrade image quality and increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of an imaging sensor with an electronic global shutter and an external shutter component, coupled with a coupling functionality that adjusts activation settings based on ambient light and reflection conditions, reduces PLS effects and mechanical shutter actuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanical shutter is used for aerial photography, then the shutter can physically block light to prevent parasitic light signal artifacts, but the mechanical shutter experiences wear from repeated actuations and requires replacement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter with an electronic shuttering mechanism implemented in the imaging sensor. The sensor includes a first storage node that blocks parasitic light during readout operations, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining the ability to prevent PLS artifacts. This substitution resolves the wear issue by using solid-state electronics instead of mechanical components that require actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a first storage node as an intermediary structure within the imaging sensor that serves the dual function of charge storage and parasitic light blocking. This storage node acts as a mediator between the photosensitive area and the readout circuitry, preventing parasitic light from reaching sensitive areas during readout without requiring external mechanical shutters.
2Speed
If an electronic global shutter is used to eliminate rolling shutter effects, then the shutter speed can be increased to avoid overexposure, but parasitic light signal still reaches the sensor during the readout phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging sensor into distinct functional regions: a photosensitive area for capturing light during the integration phase, and a first storage node for holding charges and blocking parasitic light during the readout phase. This spatial segmentation allows the sensor to maintain high readout speeds while preventing parasitic light from contaminating the image data during the readout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between integration mode and readout mode. During the integration phase, the photosensitive area accumulates charges from incident light. During the subsequent readout phase, the first storage node blocks parasitic light while charges are transferred and read out. This periodic alternation between modes allows high-speed operation while preventing PLS artifacts.
3Illumination intensity
If the aperture is kept large to improve light gathering, then the sensor is more prone to overexposure with mechanical shutters, but electronic shutters can handle large apertures with fast shutter speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical shuttering with electronic shuttering implemented through the first storage node. This electronic approach enables precisely controlled exposure times independent of mechanical speed limitations, allowing the use of large apertures for maximum light gathering while preventing overexposure through accurate electronic timing and parasitic light blocking during readout.
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 configuration enhances image quality by minimizing PLS artifacts and reducing mechanical shutter wear, while also simplifying the camera system and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging sensor comprises an electronic global shutter functionality providing for each pixel a simultaneous start and stop for an integration phase
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to an aerial camera instrument configured to acquire high-resolution aerial images from a target area. The aerial camera instrument comprises (i) an imaging sensor having an electronic global shutter functionality, (ii) an external shutter component, and (iii) a coupling functionality configured to synchronize the electronic global shutter functionality and the external shutter component.