Hybrid Camera Stabilization Switching for Varying Vibration Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mountable camera devices face a trade-off between the cost and power efficiency of Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and the superior stabilization capabilities of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), particularly in environments with varying degrees of camera vibrations, necessitating a hybrid solution that optimizes both.
Innovation Solution
A mountable camera device integrating both EIS and OIS, with a processing circuitry that dynamically selects the most effective stabilization method based on real-time measurements of camera vibrations and object location, using a vibration sensor, optical image stabilization mechanism, and electronic image stabilization circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is used to achieve superior stabilization capabilities, then image stabilization performance is improved, but device cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between OIS and EIS based on real-time vibration intensity detection. The controller monitors vibration levels and automatically selects the appropriate stabilization method, allowing the camera to use OIS only when mechanically necessary while relying on EIS for minor vibrations, thus optimizing power consumption while maintaining stabilization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter by switching between two different stabilization modes (OIS and EIS) based on vibration intensity thresholds. This parameter change allows the system to adapt its behavior to match the actual stabilization needs, avoiding unnecessary activation of power-intensive OIS mechanisms.
2Reliability
If Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is used to achieve superior stabilization capabilities, then image stabilization performance is improved, but mechanical component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the OIS mechanism operates periodically only when vibration intensity exceeds the threshold. The controller monitors vibration levels and activates OIS only when necessary, allowing mechanical components to remain stationary during normal conditions, thus significantly reducing wear and extending component lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the mechanical stabilization function from continuous operation and applies it only when specifically needed based on vibration detection. This selective activation separates the necessary stabilization function from unnecessary mechanical movement, reducing cumulative wear on OIS components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is used to reduce cost and power consumption, then device cost and power consumption are reduced, but stabilization margin is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges both OIS and EIS into a unified stabilization approach. By combining the mechanical capabilities of OIS with the computational capabilities of EIS, the system achieves enhanced stabilization performance while maintaining cost and power efficiency through selective application of each method based on actual vibration conditions.
4Reliability
If a hybrid EIS-OIS system is implemented to optimize stabilization performance, then stabilization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs vibration intensity feedback from the vibration sensor to automatically control the selection between OIS and EIS modes. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to make real-time decisions about which stabilization method to use, simplifying the user experience while managing system complexity through automated control.
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 hybrid approach ensures high-quality image capture across varying environments by optimizing stabilization performance, minimizing mechanical wear, and extending the operational life of the camera by adaptively selecting between EIS and OIS.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration sensor for measuring camera vibrations
Implementation Method 2
an optical image stabilization mechanism for physically compensating for the camera vibrations by physically moving the lens and/or the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
electronic image stabilization circuitry for digitally compensating for the camera vibrations by image processing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mountable camera device, comprising: an image capturing unit for capturing a sequence of images, the image capturing unit comprising at least a lens and an image sensor; a vibration sensor for measuring camera vibrations; an optical image stabilization mechanism for physically compensating for the camera vibrations by physically moving the lens and/or the image sensor; electronic image stabilization circuitry for digitally compensating for the camera vibrations by image processing; and processing circuitry configured to select between the optical image stabilization mechanism and the electronic image stabilization circuitry by comparing the camera vibrations against a predefined stabilization margin and/or based on a location of an object of interest in the sequence of images. The disclosure further relates to a method for controlling a mountable camera device having optical image stabilization capabilities and electronic image stabilization capabilities.