Camera Exposure Timing for Multi-Light Flicker Banding Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to eliminate bright and dark streaks in captured images caused by multiple artificial light sources with different flicker frequencies are ineffective, leading to a scrolling banding phenomenon.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device determines the flicker frequencies of multiple artificial light sources and adjusts the exposure time and frame interval to eliminate the banding phenomenon caused by one light source while attenuating it in others, using specific integer multiples of the flicker periods to minimize streaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If exposure time is adjusted to an integer multiple of one flicker period, then banding from that light source is eliminated, but banding from other light sources with different flicker frequencies cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the problem by identifying and treating different light sources separately. It detects multiple flicker frequencies in the environment and selectively applies exposure time adjustments based on integer multiples of specific flicker periods, allowing different parameters to be optimized for different light sources rather than using a single uniform approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the exposure time parameter based on detected flicker frequencies. By calculating integer multiples of different flicker periods and selecting appropriate exposure times, the system adapts parameters to match the specific characteristics of dominant light sources in the environment, resolving banding issues across multiple frequency scenarios
2Object-affected harmful factors
If exposure time is extended to match flicker periods, then banding is reduced, but photographing speed and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively adjusting exposure time only when and where needed to eliminate banding from dominant light sources. Rather than always using extended exposure times, the system calculates minimum necessary exposure durations based on detected flicker frequencies, achieving banding reduction while minimizing impact on photographing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action by synchronizing exposure time with the periodic flicker patterns of artificial light sources. By setting exposure duration to integer multiples of flicker periods, the system aligns the camera's exposure cycles with the light sources' periodic variations, eliminating banding while maintaining efficient shooting rates
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
The method effectively reduces scrolling bright and dark streaks in images by optimizing exposure time and frame intervals based on the flicker frequencies of the dominant light sources, improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic device determines flicker frequencies of a plurality of artificial light sources
Implementation Method 2
The electronic device determines, based on the two flicker frequencies, an exposure time and a frame interval used by the electronic device to obtain images subsequently
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a photographing method from a plurality of artificial light sources and a related apparatus. An electronic device may determine flicker frequencies of the plurality of artificial light sources, and select two of the flicker frequencies, denoted as F1 and F2. Flicker periods corresponding to F1 and F2 are denoted as T1 and T2, respectively. Based on these two flicker periods (T1 and T2), the electronic device determines the exposure time and frame interval to be used for the next image acquisition by the electronic device. The method can eliminate a banding phenomenon caused by a single artificial light source and attenuate a banding phenomenon caused by other artificial light sources, avoiding scrolling bright and dark streaks in images on the electronic device.