CCD Charge Shifting for Motion Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing motion blur in digital imaging, such as image stabilization and software-based processing, are inadequate when camera movement is significant, and shorter exposure times to minimize blur result in lower image quality due to reduced light intake.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing the total exposure time into successive exposures, shifting signal charges from photodiode wells to storage lines, and then accumulating and outputting these charges through a serial shift register, while moving the CCD in the direction of motion to reduce motion blur and enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the exposure time is reduced to minimize motion blur, then the motion blur is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates due to reduced light intake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total exposure time into multiple sequential sub-exposures. Each sub-exposure captures a portion of the total light while maintaining a short duration to minimize motion blur. The charge accumulated from each sub-exposure is then shifted and accumulated in storage lines to achieve the total required light intake, thus resolving the contradiction between short exposure time and sufficient light intake.
2Manufacturing precision
If the camera position is fixed to avoid motion blur, then the image clarity is improved, but the adaptability to moving subjects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically stabilizing the camera with an electronic charge shifting and accumulation mechanism. By dividing exposure into multiple sub-exposures and shifting charges electronically in synchronization with camera movement, the system achieves motion blur reduction without requiring mechanical stabilization, thus maintaining adaptability to moving subjects while improving image clarity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple successive exposures are taken and charges are shifted and accumulated, then the motion blur is reduced and light intake is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent charge shifting capability of the CCD device itself to accumulate light from multiple sub-exposures. The CCD's built-in charge transfer mechanism is used to move and accumulate charges from different sub-exposures without requiring external complex processing equipment. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional hardware complexity while achieving the desired image quality improvement.
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
This approach effectively reduces motion blur and improves image quality by integrating and shifting signal charges from multiple short exposures, enhancing light intensity and reducing the negative effects of camera movement on image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
The photodiode wells integrate signal charges during the exposure and shift the signal charges to corresponding storage lines
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for reducing motion blur using CCD charge shifting. In one embodiment, photodiode wells are exposed for a set of successive exposures with each exposure duration being a fraction of a total exposure time. After each successive exposure, the photodiode wells integrate signal charges and shift them to corresponding storage lines. The shifted signal charges are then shifted along the storage lines for a specified number of storage units. At the same time, the CCD is moved in the direction of a leading edge of the CCD. The photodiode wells are then exposed for another exposure to produce another set of signal charges, which are shifted to the storage lines. Signal charges from the successive exposures are accumulated at the storage lines. After all successive exposures have been taken, the accumulated signal charges are shifted to a serial shift register and output to form an image.