Digital Gyroscope Using Image Correlation for Camera Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image stabilization systems in cameras are costly due to the use of mechanical gyroscopes and lack feedback control, making them unsuitable for low-priced, high-volume imaging devices and prone to errors from moving objects within the scene.
Innovation Solution
A digital gyroscope system using an array of photoelements and a controller to detect movement by correlating successive images and provide compensation signals for opto-mechanical adjustments, eliminating the need for costly mechanical gyroscopes and enabling direct feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical gyroscopes are used for image stabilization, then motion detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gyroscopes with a digital vision-based motion sensor that uses an image sensor and correlation algorithms to detect device motion. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive mechanical components while achieving comparable motion detection accuracy through software-based image correlation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the image sensor to capture visual information of the scene, creating a digital copy of the environment. By correlating successive image frames, the system infers device motion without requiring physical gyroscopic sensors, thereby reducing cost while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If electronic frame comparison is used for motion detection, then device cost is reduced, but reliability decreases due to confusion from moving objects in the scene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the motion detection system continuously compares successive image frames and uses correlation results to determine device motion. The system refines its measurements through iterative correlation processing, improving reliability by filtering out false motion signals from moving objects in the scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from simple frame subtraction to using correlation algorithms that analyze spatial relationships between features in successive frames. By changing the computational parameters and methods, the system achieves more reliable motion detection that is less susceptible to interference from moving objects in the scene.
3Device complexity
If open-loop opto-mechanical compensation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of image position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent closes the feedback loop by using the vision-based motion sensor to continuously monitor image position and verify compensation accuracy. The system uses correlation-based motion detection to provide feedback signals that ensure the image stabilization mechanism is achieving the desired image position, thereby maintaining measurement precision without excessive complexity.
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 digital gyroscope system provides cost-effective image stabilization with improved performance by accurately compensating for camera movement, reducing blur caused by human tremors, and maintaining a fixed relationship between the scene and the image plane.
Implementation Method 1
The array of photoelements is configured to acquire successive images of features of an environment within a field of view of the motion sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A motion sensor configured to control compensation for movement of an imaging device receiving light representative of a selected scene on an image plane. The motion sensor includes and array of photoelements and a controller. The array of photoelements is configured to acquire successive images of features of an environment within a field of view of the motion sensor; including a first image of features and a second image of features acquired at a time interval after the first image, the first and second images including common features. The controller is configured to receive and correlate the first and second images to detect movement of the imaging device about a first and a second axis during the time interval by detecting differences in locations of the common features relative to the array of photoelements, and to provide first and second compensation signals based on the correlation to control opto-mechanical adjustments to counter detected movement of the imaging device about the first and second axes so as to maintain a substantially fixed relationship between the selected scene and the imaging plane.