Exposure Smoothing for Intermittent Image Capture Flicker
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Solution Overview
Problem
In intermittent image capturing, significant changes in brightness between frames can cause discomfort for users when viewing time-lapse moving images, as existing automatic exposure control methods fail to smoothly adjust exposure values, leading to unnatural flickering and brightness issues.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus that smoothes exposure data based on past image capture operations, adjusting the exposure for each image capture according to the image capture interval, frame rate, and shake information to maintain consistent brightness in time-lapse moving images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automatic exposure control is executed in each image capturing operation in interval image capturing, then the exposure is adjusted to match brightness changes, but great changes in brightness between frames cause unnatural flickering and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the exposure control system adaptive and flexible. The setting unit dynamically adjusts the degree of smoothing based on real-time parameters including image capture interval, frame rate, and shake information. This allows the system to respond to changing conditions while maintaining stable brightness, resolving the contradiction between adapting to brightness changes and preventing flickering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of exposure smoothing degree based on multiple factors. The setting unit modifies the smoothing strength according to image capture interval (longer intervals require higher smoothing), frame rate (higher rates require lower smoothing), and shake information. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing exposure stability under different capturing conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the degree of smoothing is increased to reduce brightness changes, then flickering is reduced, but the response time to actual brightness changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the smoothing degree based on real-time conditions. When shake information indicates camera movement or when frame rate is high, the system reduces smoothing strength to respond faster to brightness changes. When capture interval is long and shake is minimal, it increases smoothing to prevent flickering. This dynamic adjustment resolves the time-response contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the smoothing parameter adaptively based on multiple factors including image capture interval, frame rate, and shake detection results. By adjusting this parameter in real-time, the system optimizes between flickering reduction and response speed, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If exposure is adjusted for each image capturing operation, then brightness accuracy is improved, but the complexity of control processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting unit performs multiple functions within a single integrated control mechanism. It simultaneously determines optimal smoothing degree, adjusts exposure values, and processes multiple input parameters (capture interval, frame rate, shake information) in one unified operation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining brightness accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to simplify control processing. By adjusting the smoothing degree parameter based on input conditions, the system achieves accurate brightness control without complex processing algorithms. The parameter-based approach transforms a potentially complex control problem into a simpler parameter adjustment process.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes a setting unit configured to set an exposure for image capturing by an image capturing unit, wherein in a mode for acquiring a plurality of images for a moving image by performing intermittent image capturing using the image capturing unit, the setting unit smooths data on a brightness corresponding to a plurality of image capturing operations in the intermittent image capturing and sets an exposure for one image capturing operation in the intermittent image capturing according to the smoothed data, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information including at least one of an image capture interval for the intermittent image capturing, a frame rate of the moving image, and shake information during image capturing of a subject. The setting unit determines a degree of the smoothing based on the first information acquired by the acquisition unit.