Flicker Correction via Segmented Image Processing Pipeline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital imaging devices face image quality degradation due to 'flicker' caused by oscillations in ambient light, which existing techniques have not adequately addressed, particularly as distortion correction mechanisms can degrade anti-flicker performance.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves separating flicker statistics gathering from distortion correction, allowing for the retention of relevant information to improve image quality by using imaging elements to generate undistorted images and providing flicker statistics to image processing elements for correction, thereby enhancing image processing and reducing flicker effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distortion correction is applied to generate undistorted images, then image geometry accuracy is improved, but flicker correction performance deteriorates due to loss of relevant information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing pipeline into distinct modules: a distortion correction module that generates undistorted images, and a flicker correction module that receives both undistorted images and separate flicker statistics. This segmentation allows each module to perform its function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between geometry accuracy and flicker correction performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary gathering of flicker statistics from the raw distorted image data before distortion correction is applied. By capturing flicker information in advance, when the data is still intact and relevant, the system preserves the information needed for effective flicker correction even after the image undergoes geometric transformation.
2Productivity
If flicker statistics are gathered after distortion correction, then processing efficiency is improved, but information loss occurs leading to degraded flicker correction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by gathering flicker statistics before distortion correction processing. This ensures that flicker information is captured when it is still present and meaningful in the raw image data, preventing information loss that would occur if statistics were gathered after the distortion correction transformed the image data.
3Device complexity
If integrated image processing is used for both distortion and flicker correction, then device complexity is reduced, but correction accuracy for both functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing system into separate functional modules: one dedicated to distortion correction and another dedicated to flicker correction. This segmentation increases device complexity slightly but significantly improves correction accuracy for both functions, as each module can be optimized independently for its specific task without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that gathers and transmits flicker statistics from the distortion correction module to the flicker correction module. This intermediary ensures that accurate flicker information is preserved and delivered to the correction algorithm, maintaining high correction accuracy while allowing the overall system to remain modular and manageable in complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for detecting and addressing image flicker are disclosed. An imaging device that senses a distorted image and subsequently removes the distortion during processing can utilize an analysis module that obtains statistics indicative of image flicker prior to removing the distortion. An imaging device that features a diode for illuminating a field of view can utilize the diode as a photosensor to determine one or more flicker statistics to determine whether ambient lighting conditions are of the type that cause image flicker.