Camera Photosensor Flicker Reduction via Time Zone Frequency Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras experience image flicker when capturing scenes under fluorescent lighting due to periodic light intensity variations, which existing solutions fail to fully address, particularly when traveling between countries with different fluorescent lighting frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method for a portable electronic device to select and configure its photosensor array based on the device's time zone, correlating the time zone with the corresponding fluorescent lighting frequency to optimize the camera's operating mode and reduce flicker, eliminating the need to reconfigure settings when traveling within the same time zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera uses a photosensor array to capture images under fluorescent lighting, then image capture capability is improved, but image flicker occurs due to periodic light intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the photosensor array's integration time with the periodic frequency of fluorescent lighting (50Hz or 60Hz). The system detects the lighting frequency and adjusts the integration time to be an integer multiple of the lighting period, ensuring that light intensity variations during exposure do not cause flicker artifacts in captured images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the integration time parameter based on the detected fluorescent lighting frequency. The system changes the integration time parameter to match the local lighting conditions (50Hz or 60Hz regions), thereby eliminating flicker while maintaining proper image exposure and capture capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera uses country-specific configuration to set fluorescent mode, then flicker reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases and reconfiguration is needed when traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the camera system to automatically detect the fluorescent lighting frequency in the current environment and self-configure the appropriate integration time without user intervention. The system performs automatic frequency detection and mode selection, eliminating the need for users to manually configure country-specific settings or reconfigure when traveling to different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the captured image data for flicker patterns and automatically adjusting the integration time based on the detected lighting frequency. The system uses feedback from the image sensor to identify the presence and frequency of fluorescent lighting, then adjusts parameters in real-time to maintain optimal image quality without user configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera requires manual reconfiguration when traveling between countries with different fluorescent frequencies, then operating flexibility is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the camera to automatically adapt to different fluorescent lighting frequencies (50Hz or 60Hz) in different countries without requiring manual user configuration. The system self-detects the local lighting standard and self-adjusts the integration time parameter, maintaining operating flexibility while dramatically improving ease of operation for travelers.
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
Effectively reduces flicker in images captured under fluorescent lighting by automatically adjusting the camera's mode based on the device's time zone, improving image quality without requiring country-specific reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
digital cameras use electronic photosensors such as charge coupled devices (CCDs) or complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chips... The term 'photosensor' as used in this specification means any device(s) or material(s) capable of receiving and capturing radiant energy, and being at least partially capable of converting the radiant energy into electronic signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A novel method and apparatus for controlling operation of a photosensor array in a portable electronic device to reduce flicker resulting from fluorescent light having a periodic intensity. The method comprises selecting a time zone in which the device is to be operated, correlating the time zone with a corresponding frequency of the fluorescent light, and signaling the photosensor array to operate in accordance with a mode optimized to reduce flicker based on the selected time zone.