Flicker Detection in CMOS Imaging Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for efficient reduction of image quality deterioration caused by flicker from light sources like fluorescent lamps and LEDs, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An imaging control apparatus and method that includes a CMOS imaging device, an analog signal processing section, a digital signal processing section with a flicker detecting component, and a system controller to detect and reduce flicker components in image signals, synchronizing exposure timing with the peak or bottom of the flicker cycle to prevent image quality degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect flicker, then flicker detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device performs multiple functions: it captures images and simultaneously detects flicker components using the same sensor and processing circuits. The signal processing section analyzes image data to detect flicker without requiring dedicated detection hardware, making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device uses its own image capture function to generate detection data for flicker analysis. The same imaging sensor that captures the scene also provides the signal data needed for flicker detection, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors and achieving self-service functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If exposure timing is synchronized with flicker peak, then image quality is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the flicker component's phase and amplitude from image data, then uses this feedback information to adjust the exposure timing. The control section modifies the timing of the imaging device based on the detected flicker characteristics, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes image quality while managing control complexity through adaptive adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the flicker component's phase and amplitude before executing the optimized exposure timing. By analyzing the flicker characteristics in advance and pre-calculating the optimal timing, the system prepares the control parameters beforehand, reducing the complexity of real-time control during image capture.
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
The solution effectively prevents image quality deterioration by detecting and reducing flicker components, allowing for high-quality imaging even under flickering light sources, without the need for additional sensors, thus reducing costs and apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
a CMOS imaging device (12) that receives light from an object (1000) and performs photoelectrical conversion
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging control apparatus includes: a flicker detecting section configured to detect a flicker component of a light source, the flicker component being included in an image; and a controlling section configured to control timing of imaging according to a detection result by the flicker detecting section, in which the controlling section controls the timing of the imaging according to timing of a peak or a bottom of the flicker component detected.