Flicker Reduction in Electronic Device Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in reducing or eliminating flicker in moving images captured under artificial lighting, which can degrade image quality due to the synchronization issues with AC power frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device method and apparatus that generate images by selecting and processing frames based on flicker frequency, either by selecting the brightest frame or averaging luminance within a flicker period to produce images at a designated frame rate, thereby reducing flicker and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If images are captured at a fast frame rate to enable slow motion function, then the ability to capture moving objects is improved, but flicker from AC power lighting is introduced into the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the image capture timing with the periodic flicker cycle of AC power lighting. The processor identifies the flicker frequency and selects frames at specific phases within each flicker period, capturing images periodically at optimal moments when flicker is minimized or consistent, thereby resolving the contradiction between high frame rate capture and flicker reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of frame capture based on detected flicker frequency. By adjusting the phase and timing of image acquisition relative to the flicker cycle, the system captures frames at optimal moments within each period, transforming the capture timing parameter to eliminate flicker while maintaining high frame rates for slow motion functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If exposure timing is synchronized with the peak of flickering component, then flicker is reduced in images, but the complexity of detecting and processing flicker frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the flicker frequency from the captured image sequence and autonomously determining the optimal capture timing. The processor analyzes the image data to identify flicker patterns, calculates the appropriate phase alignment, and adjusts frame selection accordingly, eliminating the need for external calibration or manual intervention while reducing flicker
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the captured frames for flicker characteristics, using the detected flicker frequency information to adjust subsequent frame selection timing. The system feeds back the timing adjustments based on observed flicker patterns, creating a closed-loop control that reduces flicker while adapting to varying lighting conditions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If frames are selected based on flicker frequency to reduce flicker, then image quality is improved, but the frame rate of the output video decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by selecting multiple frames periodically within each flicker period rather than reducing overall frame rate. By capturing and selecting several frames at different phases within each flicker cycle, the system maintains high output frame rate while ensuring that each selected frame represents an optimal moment in the flicker period, thus eliminating flicker without sacrificing productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes an image sensor, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to control the electronic device to: obtain a plurality of image frames including external light and an external object at a first designated frame rate using the image sensor, based on a capturing signal; identify a frequency of a flicker related to the external light source; generate first section images for at least a part of a time for which the plurality of image frames are obtained using frames selected from the plurality of image frames corresponding to a second designated frame rate based at least on the frequency, the second designated frame rate being lower than the first designated frame rate; generate second section images for at least a part of the time for which the plurality of image frames are obtained in response at least to a designated input using image frames obtained at the first designated frame rate after the designated input from among the plurality of image frames; and generate moving image data including at least the first section images and the second section images.