CMOS Camera Column-Scan Image Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial photography faces challenges in capturing large scenes due to limited light exposure and high shutter speeds, which result in blurred images, especially in low-light conditions, and the economic constraints of using large lenses or increasing overlap between sub-images, leading to increased costs and processing time.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a CMOS imaging array and controller that captures images in a column direction, combining pixel values from different rows to enhance exposure and reduce readout time, utilizing a distributed analog-to-digital converter and memory organization to improve image quality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If shutter speed is increased to prevent blurring in moving scenes, then image sharpness is improved, but light exposure is reduced leading to loss of detail in shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by accumulating light exposure data from multiple sequentially captured sub-images before final image construction. Each sub-image is captured with high shutter speed to maintain sharpness, then the data is accumulated in memory to achieve sufficient total light exposure, resolving the contradiction between sharpness and light exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by capturing multiple sub-images at regular time intervals as the camera moves across the scene. Each sub-image is exposed for a short duration to maintain sharpness, but the periodic repetition of captures accumulates sufficient light exposure data to reveal details in shadow regions
2Illumination intensity
If overlap between sub-images is increased to effectively increase exposure time, then light exposure is improved, but the number of sub-images that can be captured is limited by readout time and memory capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the final image into multiple sub-images captured at different positions, with each sub-image covering a portion of the total scene. This segmentation allows the system to capture more sub-images within available memory capacity, as each sub-image is processed independently and only essential data is retained, effectively increasing the number of frames that can be captured
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses another dimension by utilizing the spatial displacement of the camera between captures as an additional degree of freedom. Instead of relying solely on temporal overlap, the system captures sub-images at different spatial positions and uses image processing to align and combine them, effectively increasing exposure time without being limited by memory capacity
3Illumination intensity
If large lenses are used to increase camera sensitivity and collect more light, then light exposure is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by capturing multiple copies of the scene from different positions and combining them computationally. Instead of using a single large lens to collect more light, the system uses multiple smaller lens captures and processes them to achieve equivalent or superior light collection, significantly reducing system cost
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 achieves improved statistical accuracy and reduced costs by allowing multiple exposures to be combined efficiently, enhancing image quality without the need for external light sources or extensive post-processing, while maintaining a constant image speed and orientation.
Implementation Method 1
an array of individual light sensing elements that convert the light striking that element to an electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
A camera for forming an image of a scene that moves relative to the camera and the method of forming that image are disclosed. The camera includes an imaging array having a plurality of CMOS pixel sensors having a plurality of columns and rows, an imaging system, and a controller. The imaging system causes a portion of an image of a scene to be projected on the imaging array such that the image of the scene moves across the imaging array in the column direction. First and second images of the scene are formed at first and second times chosen such that the image of the scene moves a predetermined number of rows of the imaging array between the first and second times. The controller combines pixel values from rows in the first image with rows in the second image that are separated by the predetermined number of rows.