HD Camera CMOS Sensor Duty Cycle Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart traffic cameras using CCD sensors are expensive, while those using CMOS sensors suffer from deformation of moving objects due to power consumption and heat issues, limiting their mass deployment and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A high definition camera utilizing a high frame rate CMOS sensor with an auxiliary light source that turns on and off according to a duty cycle, providing light only to selected frame images, reducing deformation and power consumption, and using a rolling shutter exposure mode to lower production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CCD sensors are used in smart traffic cameras, then image quality and brightness are improved, but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive CCD sensors with cheaper CMOS sensors, accepting that CMOS has some limitations but achieving sufficient performance through clever engineering. The CMOS sensor is a more economical, readily available component that can be mass-produced, directly addressing the cost issue while maintaining adequate image quality for traffic monitoring purposes.
2Illumination intensity
If constant-lit LED is used to provide light for CMOS sensor, then illumination is improved, but power consumption increases and heat generation impairs light performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination by controlling the LED to flash only during specific exposure intervals rather than remaining constantly lit. The LED is switched on during the exposure period when light is needed for image capture, and switched off during non-exposure periods, thereby providing sufficient illumination while dramatically reducing overall power consumption and heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent synchronizes the LED illumination timing with the sensor exposure timing in advance. The LED is activated precisely when the sensor begins its exposure period, ensuring that light is available exactly when needed for capturing images, and deactivated when the sensor is not exposing, optimizing the balance between illumination and power consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If rolling shutter exposure mode is used in CMOS sensor, then production cost is reduced, but deformation of moving objects increases due to large time difference between readout of top and bottom of frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the exposure timing and readout sequence to minimize deformation. By carefully controlling the exposure period and synchronizing it with the rolling shutter readout process, the system reduces the effective time window during which moving objects can deform across the frame, thereby mitigating the distortion issue while maintaining the cost advantages of rolling shutter CMOS sensors.
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 minimizes deformation of moving objects, reduces power consumption, and lowers production costs, making the camera more durable and suitable for widespread use in intelligent traffic systems.
Implementation Method 1
providing light to N consecutive frame images of the plural frame images with an interval of M consecutive frame images, wherein the light is provided by an auxiliary light source when the auxiliary light source is on
Data Source
AI summary
A high definition (HD) camera and a method for implementing the HD camera is described. A CMOS sensor of high frame rate captures frame images and provides light to N consecutive frame images with an interval of M consecutive frame images in the captured frame images using an auxiliary light source when the auxiliary light source is on. The auxiliary light source turns on and off according to a duty cycle. The M is 0 or a positive integer. The N is a positive integer. The mechanism has good light performances, reduced deformation of moving objects, and reduced costs.