Camera Roll Stabilization via Motion Sensor Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera stabilization methods, such as tripods and mechanical devices, are bulky and expensive, while existing image stabilizing subsystems only correct for yaw and pitch, failing to effectively address camera roll stabilization, especially in personal or hand-held consumer cameras.

Innovation Solution

A camera system with an image stabilizing subsystem that includes a motion sensor and image stabilizing logic to generate calibration constants for correcting camera roll, allowing the image sensor and optical elements to move during exposure, thereby stabilizing the image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical stabilization devices are used, then image stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidmechanical device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical stabilization devices with a computational approach using motion sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers) and image processing algorithms. The system captures motion data from sensors and applies digital correction to stabilize the image, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical counterbalancing mechanisms while achieving comparable or superior stabilization results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces motion sensors as intermediary components that measure camera motion and provide data to the image stabilizing logic. These sensors act as mediators between the physical camera movement and the digital image processing system, enabling precise measurement and correction of motion without requiring direct mechanical intervention in the imaging path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional image stabilizing subsystems are used, then yaw and pitch correction is improved, but roll stabilization capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyaw and pitch stabilizationVSAvoidroll stabilization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal image stabilizing system that simultaneously corrects all three rotational axes (roll, pitch, and yaw) using the same hardware platform. The motion sensors capture motion data for all axes, and the image stabilizing logic applies comprehensive digital correction across all rotational movements, making the system adaptable to any type of camera motion without requiring additional specialized components for each axis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7639934B2Image stabilizing in cameras

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Image stabilizing in cameras is disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, a camera system may comprise an image sensor for collecting image data during use, and a motion sensor generating at least camera roll data. An image stabilizing subsystem may be operatively associated with the motion sensor and the image sensor. The image stabilizing subsystem moves the image sensor based on the camera roll data from the motion sensor and a correction factor based on a calibration procedure and stored in the image stabilizing subsystem to correct for at least camera roll during image exposure. Methods of calibrating a camera system for camera roll and of reducing blur from camera roll during use are also disclosed.