Area Scan Image Sensor Time Delay Integration for Event Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current event timing systems using line scan cameras face limitations in capturing high-resolution images of moving objects due to their single line of pixels, which restricts accurate timing and separation of events, especially in dynamic environments like race finishes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an area scan image sensor system that captures sequential digital two-dimensional images and processes them using a time delay integration module to generate a time delay integration image, allowing for flexible optimization and improved resolution and timing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If line scan cameras are used for event timing, then time resolution is improved, but image resolution is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple sequential 2D image captures, where each image captures a different spatial position of moving objects. By dividing the scene into multiple temporal snapshots and integrating them, the system achieves both high time resolution (through sequential capturing) and high image resolution (through 2D area scan sensors), resolving the contradiction between time and image resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the single-line detection of traditional photo finish cameras to two-dimensional area scan imaging. This dimensional change allows the system to capture both temporal information (through sequential frames) and spatial information (through 2D images), simultaneously achieving high time resolution and high image resolution without the limitations of linear detectors.
2Manufacturing precision
If area scan image sensors are used to capture high-resolution images, then image resolution is improved, but time resolution is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous high-speed sequential capturing of 2D images, maintaining uninterrupted observation of moving objects. By continuously capturing images at high frame rates and integrating them through time delay integration, the system preserves both the high image resolution of area scan sensors and achieves high time resolution, eliminating the trade-off between these two parameters.
3Illumination intensity
If sequential images are integrated to improve brightness and signal-to-noise ratio, then image quality is improved, but processing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment and registration of sequential images before integration, establishing the correct spatial and temporal correspondence between frames. By pre-processing the images to account for object motion and positioning, the subsequent time delay integration becomes more efficient and accurate, reducing the overall processing complexity while maintaining improved brightness and signal-to-noise ratio.
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 approach enables higher time resolution and accurate event timing by integrating sequential images, enhancing the ability to capture and separate events with improved brightness and signal-to-noise ratio, even in fast-moving or low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
time delay integration module for processing the sequential digital two-dimensional images to generate a time delay integration image of a moving object in the scene
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing event timing images includes: area scan image sensor for generating sequential digital two-dimensional images of a scene; and time delay integration module for processing the sequential digital two-dimensional images to generate a time delay integration image of a moving object in the scene.