Area Scan Image Sensor Time Delay Integration for Event Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing event timing systems face challenges in capturing accurate and high-resolution images of moving objects, particularly at finish lines, due to limitations in frame rate and dynamic range, leading to coarser time resolution and reduced sensitivity in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an area scan image sensor and a time delay integration module to process sequential digital two-dimensional images, allowing for flexible optimization of time delay integration after image capture, which enhances brightness, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio by adjusting parameters such as line number and digital gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If line scan cameras are used for event timing, then time resolution is improved, but image quality and dynamic range deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image capture process into multiple sequential two-dimensional images captured by an area scan camera, then processes these segmented images through time delay integration to reconstruct a high-quality timing image. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high frame rates while preserving image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-line scanning (one-dimensional) to capturing two-dimensional images sequentially, then integrates these images along the time dimension. This dimensional transformation enables simultaneous achievement of high time resolution and high image quality by utilizing the temporal dimension for timing precision while preserving spatial information in two dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If area scan image sensors are used to capture sequential images, then image quality is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple sequential two-dimensional images with proper timing metadata before the final integration step. This preliminary capture phase allows the system to organize and prepare the image data in advance, making the subsequent time delay integration process more efficient and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that receives sequential images from the area scan camera and applies time delay integration algorithms. This intermediary module acts as a mediator between the raw image capture and the final timing result, breaking down the complex processing into manageable stages and enabling flexible optimization of processing parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time delay integration is performed after image capture, then flexibility is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processing by allowing the time delay integration parameters (such as integration window size, gain factors, and line selection) to be adjusted based on the specific event characteristics and lighting conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize processing time for different scenarios while maintaining flexibility in handling various event types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing event timing images includes: capturing sequential digital two-dimensional images of a scene using an area scan image sensor; and processing the sequential digital two-dimensional images to generate a time delay integration image of an object moving in the scene.