Dynamic Exposure Control for Motion Blur Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image capture devices face challenges in limiting motion blur, especially in low-light and high-speed conditions, where standard auto-exposure functions increase exposure time, leading to potential image blur, and existing methods for post-processing blur correction are inadequate under extreme conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine a maximum exposure time based on the movement rate of the image capture device, using a predetermined relationship between movement rate and exposure time to limit blur, and adjust sensitivity or brightness post-capture if necessary, employing a gyro for movement measurement and a processor for calculating optimal exposure times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If exposure time is increased to compensate for low-light conditions, then image brightness is improved, but motion blur increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage brightnessVSAvoidimage sharpness
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts exposure time based on real-time motion detection. The system continuously monitors for motion during the exposure period and adapts the exposure time accordingly, transitioning from a static exposure setting to a dynamic one that responds to actual shooting conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between brightness and sharpness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where motion is detected during the exposure period and this information is used to adjust the exposure time. The system provides feedback to the exposure control based on motion detection results, allowing real-time optimization of the exposure parameters to prevent blur while maintaining adequate brightness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If exposure time is extended to capture sufficient light, then image quality is improved, but likelihood of blur increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmotion blur
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary motion detection before and during the exposure period to predict potential blur. By detecting motion in advance and during capture, the system can pre-adjust exposure parameters or trigger corrective actions, preventing blur before it degrades image quality rather than correcting it after the fact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Illumination intensity

If shutter speed is reduced to increase exposure time, then brightness is improved, but image sharpness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage brightnessVSAvoidimage sharpness
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts shutter speed based on real-time motion conditions rather than using a fixed setting. When motion is detected, the shutter speed is automatically adjusted to an optimal value that prevents blur, allowing the system to adapt between fast and slow shutter speeds depending on the shooting scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If post-processing blur correction is applied, then image quality is improved, but effectiveness decreases under extreme blur conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidblur correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing blur through real-time motion detection and exposure time adjustment before the image is captured. Rather than attempting to correct extreme blur after capture, the system proactively prevents the blur from occurring in the first place, ensuring image quality is maintained at the source rather than relying on post-processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Effectively limits motion blur during image capture, ensuring images are bright enough and within acceptable blur limits, with pre-calculated exposure time limits for various movement rates and blur extents, allowing for fast operation and optional image brightening post-capture to compensate for reduced exposure.

Implementation Method 1

employing a gyro for movement measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscopic effect: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS7509038B2Determining maximum exposure time to limit motion blur during image capture
Publication Date: 2009.03.24 ADVANCED INTERCONNECT SYST LTD
  • US7509038B2 patent drawing
  • US7509038B2 patent drawing
  • US7509038B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, apparatus and image capture device for limiting motion blur during capture of an image predetermines a relationship between movement of the image capture device, time and blur extent. A rate of movement of the image capture device is obtained and used in conjunction with the determined relationship and a blur extent limit as a basis for obtaining a maximum exposure time for the image capture device in order to limit blur extent. On the basis of the maximum exposure time obtained and a required image brightness, the image capture device is configured, and then an image is captured by the image capture device. Once the image has been captured, due to the possibility of under-exposure from having limited the exposure time, the image is processed as required to increase its intensity.