Dynamic Frame Rate Synchronization for Image Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Action cameras experience unstabilized video or image sequences due to high amplitude motion during activities like running, biking, or when mounted to moving objects, leading to undesirable vertical motion and oscillations.
Innovation Solution
The camera dynamically synchronizes its frame rate with the detected cadence by converting motion data from the time domain to the frequency domain, determining the dominant frequency, and adjusting the frame rate to match within a predefined tolerance, thereby stabilizing the image sequence by capturing frames at consistent vertical positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera captures video or image sequences at a fixed frame rate during high amplitude motion activities, then the recording captures the full range of motion, but the resulting sequence exhibits undesirable vertical motion and oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the frame rate adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the frame rate based on detected motion cadence, allowing the camera to adapt to varying motion conditions during activities like running or biking, thereby stabilizing the image sequence while maintaining recording simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using motion sensors to detect cadence and vertically oriented acceleration, then using this information to adjust the frame rate. This closed-loop feedback system automatically compensates for rhythmic motion patterns without requiring manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between stability and operational simplicity
2Reliability
If the frame rate is adjusted dynamically to match detected cadence, then image sequence stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the camera system to perform multiple functions: it captures images, sensors detect motion and cadence, the processor analyzes frequency domain data, and the system adjusts frame rate all within a single integrated device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate stabilization equipment, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the frame rate parameter based on detected motion characteristics. The system changes temporal parameters (frame interval) rather than physical parameters, allowing digital adaptation to motion conditions without adding complex mechanical stabilization components
3Measurement precision
If motion data is converted to frequency domain and dominant frequency is determined, then frame rate synchronization precision is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously collecting motion data and performing frequency analysis in the background during the recording process. Rather than waiting to analyze motion after capture, the system proactively processes motion data in real-time, allowing frame rate adjustments to be made with minimal delay and maintaining precise cadence detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by focusing the frequency domain analysis specifically on vertically oriented acceleration data to detect cadence. Rather than processing all motion data equally, the system selectively analyzes the relevant vertical component, reducing computational load while maintaining precision for the specific purpose of frame rate synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
A frame rate is synchronized to a detected cadence in order to generate an output image sequence that is substantially stabilized. In an in-camera process, a camera receives motion data of the camera while the camera captures the sequence of image frames. A dominant frequency of motion is determined and the capture frame rate is dynamically adjusted to match the frequency of detected motion so that each image frame is captured when the camera is at approximately the same position along the axis of motion. Alternatively, in a post-processing process, frames of a captured image sequence are selectively sampled at a sampling rate corresponding to the dominant frequency of motion so that each sampled frame corresponds to an image capture that occurred when the camera is at approximately the same position along the axis of motion.