Multi-Module Camera Burst Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems face challenges in capturing action shots with reduced blur and noise, especially when using multiple camera modules, as they require increased memory and power consumption, and struggle to efficiently handle burst and video modes while maintaining image quality.
Innovation Solution
A camera device with multiple camera modules that supports various modes of operation, including normal, burst, and motion modes, where exposure times are adjusted based on motion detection to optimize image capture, and pixel values are weighted to combine images effectively, reducing noise and blur while managing memory and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If exposure time is reduced to capture action shots with less blur, then motion blur is reduced, but noise in the image increases due to reduced light collection time
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture process is segmented into multiple separate images taken at different exposure times. Instead of using a single short exposure that creates noise, the system captures multiple frames with varying exposure durations and combines them, allowing the final image to have both sharp motion capture and reduced noise through selective pixel combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure time parameter is varied across multiple captured images rather than being fixed. By capturing images at different exposure times (including both short and longer exposures) and then combining them based on pixel-level analysis, the system optimizes both motion freeze and noise reduction simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple camera modules are operated in parallel to capture separate images, then image quality and coverage are improved, but memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary image data from multiple camera modules for combination, rather than storing all raw images. By processing and combining images in real-time and storing only the final composite image, the memory requirement is reduced from N times (for N modules) to approximately single-module levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate image data from multiple camera modules is temporarily held during processing but then discarded after combination, with only the final combined image being stored. This approach recovers memory space by eliminating the need to permanently store all intermediate captures from multiple modules.
3Productivity
If multiple camera modules are operated in parallel, then capture capability is enhanced, but power consumption increases and drains battery more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously operating all camera modules at full capacity, the system uses periodic action by activating modules only when needed for specific capture scenarios. The processor dynamically controls which modules are active based on the capture mode and scene requirements, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high capture capability when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by operating only the necessary subset of camera modules for each specific capture task rather than all modules simultaneously. This allows the camera to achieve enhanced capture capability when needed while consuming less power during normal operation by activating fewer modules.
4Reliability
If images are captured in burst mode at high frame rates to avoid motion blur and miss key shots, then action capture reliability is improved, but data storage requirements increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple images captured in burst mode are merged into a single composite image by the processor. Instead of storing each individual frame from the burst sequence, the system combines them using pixel-level processing and stores only the final merged result, significantly reducing storage requirements while preserving the reliability of capturing fast action sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments a camera with multiple optical chains, e.g., camera modules, is controlled to operate in one of a variety of supported modes of operation. The modes include a non-motion mode, a motion mode, a normal burst mode and/or a reduced data burst mode. Motion mode is well suited for capturing an image including motion, e.g., moving object(s) with some modules being used to capture scene areas using a shorter exposure time than other modules and the captured images then being combined taking into consideration locations of motion. A reduced data burst mode is supported in some embodiments in which camera modules with different focal lengths capture images at different rates. While the camera modules of different focal length operate at different image capture rates in the reduced data burst mode, images are combined to support a desired composite image output rate, e.g., a desired frame rate.