Dynamic Shutter Speed Control for Motion Blur Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cameras face challenges in capturing images without motion blur when objects move rapidly, as existing 'sports mode' often results in underexposed images due to fixed exposure times regardless of lighting conditions.

Innovation Solution

A device with a processor and memory that dynamically determines speed thresholds based on changing light conditions, delaying image capture until the object's speed falls below the recalculated threshold to minimize motion blur.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a fixed short exposure time is used in sports mode to avoid motion blur, then motion blur is reduced, but the image becomes underexposed due to insufficient light capture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter speedVSAvoidimage brightness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed exposure time to a dynamically adjustable exposure time that adapts to changing object speeds and lighting conditions. The system continuously monitors object speed and automatically adjusts the exposure time parameter to maintain optimal image quality without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the exposure time parameter based on detected object speed and lighting conditions. When an object exceeds a speed threshold, the exposure time is automatically adjusted within acceptable ranges to prevent motion blur while maintaining proper exposure, resolving the contradiction between speed and brightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If the exposure time is extended to improve image brightness, then more light is captured, but motion blur increases when the object is moving rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage brightnessVSAvoidobject speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring object speed and using this information to adjust the exposure time. The processor detects when an object exceeds a speed threshold and automatically modifies the exposure time parameter accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents both underexposure and motion blur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If manual sports mode is activated to capture fast-moving objects, then motion blur is minimized, but the system lacks adaptability to changing lighting conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter speedVSAvoidadaptability to light conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by automatically detecting object speed and lighting conditions, then autonomously adjusting the exposure time without requiring manual user input. The processor monitors both speed and light conditions continuously and makes real-time adjustments to maintain optimal imaging parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9628720B2System and method to control an imaging process
Publication Date: 2017.04.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • US9628720B2 patent drawing
  • US9628720B2 patent drawing
  • US9628720B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform operations including receiving a command to perform an image capture of an image including an object. The operations further include determining a first speed threshold based on a first light condition at a first time. The operations further include determining a first speed of the object. The operations further include, in response to determining the first speed of the object exceeds the first speed threshold, determining a second speed threshold based on a second light condition detected at a second time. The operations further include determining a second speed of the object. The operations further include initiating the image capture of the image in response to determining the second speed of the object does not exceed the second speed threshold.