Monolithic CCD Sensor TDI Imaging for Motion Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CCD imaging techniques suffer from motion blur when capturing moving scenes, limiting exposure time and resulting image quality due to relative motion between the imaging system and the scene.
Innovation Solution
Implementing time delay integration (TDI) imaging techniques in conjunction with monolithic CCD image sensors having multiple distinct imaging regions, where each region can operate independently with different filter patterns, allowing for longer exposure times and improved signal-to-noise ratio by aggregating light across multiple pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exposure time is increased to improve image quality and signal-to-noise ratio, then more light is captured and image quality improves, but motion blur artifacts are introduced due to relative motion between the imaging system and the scene
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple distinct imaging regions, each capable of operating independently with different filter patterns. This segmentation allows different regions to capture light simultaneously while maintaining temporal coherence, enabling longer effective exposure times without motion blur by processing segmented spatial information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal integration (single pixel accumulating light over time, causing motion blur) to spatial integration (multiple pixels simultaneously capturing light from different positions). By utilizing the spatial dimension across multiple imaging regions and pixels, the system achieves extended exposure capability without the temporal motion blur that plagues conventional approaches
2Measurement precision
If exposure time is increased to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then more photons are captured and signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the integration time is limited by relative motion between the imaging system and the scene
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple imaging regions that can be read out in parallel or sequentially. This segmentation enables the system to accumulate light over extended periods by processing information from multiple spatial segments, effectively extending the integration time beyond what a single pixel could achieve without motion blur
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging regions capture light simultaneously and continuously, maintaining useful action throughout the extended integration period. Rather than a single pixel being exposed and then read out (interrupting the action), multiple regions continuously accumulate and transfer charge, ensuring uninterrupted light capture over the extended integration time
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct imaging regions with different filter patterns are implemented, then diverse and information-rich image data is captured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple distinct imaging regions with different filter patterns (e.g., color filters, spectral filters) are merged onto a single monolithic CCD sensor chip. This merging allows diverse spectral and spatial information to be captured simultaneously in one device, achieving versatility without requiring multiple separate sensors or complex mechanical filter systems
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic CCD sensor is designed to perform multiple functions through its distinct imaging regions, each with different filter patterns optimized for specific spectral bands or imaging modes. This universal sensor can capture visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, or other spectral regions depending on the filter configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors
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
TDI imaging with distinct regions enhances image quality by increasing exposure time and signal-to-noise ratio, enabling the capture of diverse and information-rich image data, particularly suitable for applications like satellite imaging and CubeSats, while maintaining efficient data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a CCD image sensor, itself including a plurality of pixels that define at least two distinct imaging regions... when an image of a scene is desired, electrical charge is stored in the grid of pixels as a function of the scene's light intensity
Implementation Method 2
Time delay integration (TDI) is an imaging technique that is typically implemented in conjunction with charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors... the stored electrical charge is shifted—from one row of pixels to the next—until it reaches a serial register, where stored electrical charge corresponding with each pixel then proceeds to be read out and stored as image data
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement TDI imaging techniques in conjunction with monolithic CCD image sensors having multiple distinct imaging regions, where TDI imaging techniques can be separately implemented with respect to each distinct imaging region. In many embodiments, the distinct imaging regions are defined by color filters or color filter patterns (e.g. a Bayer filter pattern); and data from the distinct imaging regions can be read out concurrently (or else sequentially and/or nearly concurrently). A camera system can include: a CCD image sensor including a plurality of pixels that define at least two distinct imaging regions, where pixels within each imaging region operate in unison to image a scene differently than at least one other distinct imaging region. In addition, the camera system is operable in a time-delay integration mode whereby time delay-integration imaging techniques are imposed with respect to each distinct imaging region.