Camera Photosensor Flicker Reduction via Time Zone Frequency Correlation
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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 AC power frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the photosensor array in a portable electronic device to reduce flicker by selecting and correlating the device's operation with the local time zone, thereby optimizing the fluorescent lighting mode based on the corresponding AC frequency, eliminating the need to reconfigure settings when traveling within the same time zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
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 photo sensor array's integration time with the periodic frequency of fluorescent lighting (100Hz or 120Hz). The system detects the flicker frequency and configures the integration time to be a multiple of the flicker period, ensuring that each frame captures complete cycles of light intensity variation, thereby eliminating visible flicker in the captured images.
2Reliability
If the camera detects country location to configure fluorescent mode, then flicker reduction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to location detection and configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the camera to automatically detect the fluorescent lighting frequency (100Hz or 120Hz) and configure the appropriate integration time without user intervention. The system autonomously identifies the flicker pattern in captured frames and adjusts the photo sensor array settings accordingly, eliminating the need for manual country-specific configuration while maintaining high flicker reduction accuracy.
3Reliability
If the camera requires country-specific reconfiguration for different AC frequencies, then flicker elimination effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reconfiguration requirements when traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the integration time configurable and adjustable based on detected operating conditions. Rather than being fixed for specific countries, the integration time dynamically adapts to the actual fluorescent lighting frequency encountered. The system continuously monitors for flicker patterns and adjusts the integration time accordingly, enabling seamless operation across different regions without manual reconfiguration.
4Device complexity
If the camera uses fixed integration time settings, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different AC power frequencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the integration time parameter based on the detected fluorescent lighting frequency. The system starts with a default integration time and adjusts this parameter when flicker is detected. By changing the integration time to match the periodicity of the light source (synchronizing with 100Hz or 120Hz flicker), the camera maintains optimal performance across different AC power frequencies without requiring complex hardware modifications.
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 captured images by ensuring the photosensor array operates in the appropriate fluorescent lighting mode based on the device's configured time zone, improving image quality without requiring country-specific reconfigurations.
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 that become a virtual representation of the optical image
Data Source
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.