Continuous Time Imaging Sensor Eliminates Video Aliasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional frame-based video technology suffers from aliasing errors and loss of information due to shutter opening and closing, which limits its ability to capture and display motion accurately, especially at high speeds, as it does not align with the human visual system's response.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a continuous time imaging sensor array that captures photons without discontinuity, using a sigma delta modulator to produce continuous time binary analog signals, which are then aggregated to create a frame-free video stream, allowing for continuous time video processing and display without traditional frame boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frame-based video with shutter is used, then video can be captured and displayed, but aliasing errors and loss of information occur due to shutter opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous exposure of the imaging sensor without periodic shutter closure, maintaining continuous integration of incident photons. This eliminates the information loss that occurs during shutter opening and closing operations in traditional frame-based video systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a continuous low-pass filter to the video signal before display, pre-processing the signal to remove high-frequency aliasing components. This preliminary filtering prevents aliasing errors from manifesting in the final video output.
2Measurement precision
If frame rate is increased to reduce aliasing, then motion smoothness improves, but the fundamental aliasing problem persists due to periodic sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous exposure and continuous low-pass filtering instead of periodic sampling, eliminating the fundamental aliasing problem that persists even at high frame rates in traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a continuous low-pass filter as an intermediary between the imaging sensor and display, which mediates the video signal to remove high-frequency components that would otherwise cause aliasing errors.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional frame-based video is used, then video processing is simplified, but motion accuracy deteriorates due to discrete frame sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous exposure and continuous filtering, providing accurate motion representation. While this approach is more complex than traditional framing, it delivers superior motion accuracy for high-speed applications.
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 eliminates aliasing errors, ensures no loss of photons, provides a more accurate representation of motion, and enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in improved realism and compatibility with human visual perception, suitable for applications requiring high dynamic range and fast motion handling.
Implementation Method 1
continuously capturing photons incident on pixels in an imaging array to produce respective continuous time analog signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention encompasses methods and systems of representing video in continuous time. Photons incident on pixels in an imaging array are continuously captured using a continuous time imaging sensor array to produce respective continuous time analog signals without any discontinuity in time. At each pixel, the respective continuous time analog signal is modulated into respective continuous time binary analog signals. The continuous time binary analog signals from all pixels are aggregated to produce a frame free video. Each pixel may comprise a continuous time sigma delta modulator and a photodiode having a capacitance. At each pixel, the respective continuous time analog signal is modulated using the continuous time sigma delta modulator to produce the corresponding continuous time binary analog signal. The capacitance of the photodiode functions as a charge integrator.