Multi-Layer Camera Motion Photo-Sensor for Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital cameras face challenges in accurately detecting and estimating camera motion during image acquisition, which affects image quality due to motion blur, especially when using sensors like Foveon™ and CMOS, where charge integration varies non-linearly with camera movement.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera system employing a multi-layer sensor with p-type and n-type silicon layers and multiple camera motion photo-sensors to estimate camera movement by computing variance in photocurrent measurements, allowing for motion detection and compensation during exposure, and using a processor to analyze data from these sensors to reduce motion blur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multi-layer photo-sensor is used to detect camera motion, then motion detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photo-sensor is divided into multiple layers (first photo-sensor layer, second photo-sensor layer, third photo-sensor layer) with different light penetration depths. Each layer detects light at different depths, enabling precise measurement of camera motion by comparing charge variations across layers. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high motion detection precision while keeping each individual layer relatively simple in structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photocurrent measurements are performed during exposure, then motion estimation accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple photocurrent measurements continuously during the exposure period without interrupting the image capture process. The first, second, and third photocurrent measurements are taken at different times within the exposure duration, allowing motion estimation to be performed continuously alongside image acquisition. This eliminates the need for separate measurement phases and prevents time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera motion photo-sensors perform preliminary motion detection during the exposure period before the main image processing occurs. By estimating camera motion in advance during exposure, the system can apply motion compensation to the captured image, improving motion estimation accuracy without adding post-processing time.
3Reliability
If camera motion is detected during image acquisition, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera motion photo-sensors are integrated with the main imaging sensor array, sharing the same physical structure and readout circuitry where possible. The multi-layer photo-sensor structure is combined with the standard imaging pixels, allowing motion detection and image capture to occur simultaneously using a unified device architecture. This merging reduces the need for completely separate motion detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer photo-sensor structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the main imaging sensor for capturing images and as a camera motion sensor for detecting camera movement. The same physical layers that detect light for image formation also detect motion by measuring charge variations, eliminating the need for dedicated separate sensors and reducing overall device complexity.
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 system effectively detects and compensates for camera motion, reducing motion blur in captured images by accurately estimating camera movement and synchronizing the main imaging sensor with the motion sensor, resulting in improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
A camera motion photo-sensor includes a multi-layer photo-sensor having successive wells of known depths of p-type and n-type silicon layers... The camera motion photo-sensor estimates camera motion during an exposure period by measuring photocurrents of the multi-layer photo-sensor
Implementation Method 2
Lights with different wavelengths have different depths of penetration in the silicon of a photo-detector... The photon flux generally decays exponentially with distance from surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
A digital camera includes an optical system, a main image sensor and a camera motion sensor for estimating relative camera-object motion during image capture. A processor estimates camera motion based on information obtained by the camera motion photo-sensor while the camera is exposed to an image of a scene. The processor reduces or removes a motion blur effect from the main image permitting a processed version of the main image to be thereafter rendered.