Image Capture Device with Sequential Pixel Subsets for High Frame Rate Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capture devices face a trade-off between frame rate and image resolution, with high frame rates for movies often resulting in lower resolution and increased noise, while high resolution still images require slower frame rates, and existing solutions do not efficiently balance these factors or allow for simultaneous high-quality capture of both still and moving images.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with a sensor array divided into pixel subsets and groups, where each pixel subset covers the entire active area and is exposed sequentially to capture low-resolution images, which can be combined to form high-resolution images, enabling higher frame rates for movies and maintaining spatial resolution for still images without significant data storage increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor has a large number of pixels to provide high resolution, then the image resolution is improved, but the frame rate becomes slow due to limited data reading speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor array into multiple pixel subsets, where each subset contains pixels from different regions of the sensor. By sequentially exposing and reading out different subsets, the system effectively increases the frame rate for video capture while maintaining the ability to use all pixels for high-resolution still images. This segmentation allows the large sensor to be read out faster by processing portions of it in sequence.
2Speed
If the frame rate is increased for movie capture, then the speed is improved, but the image quality deteriorates due to increased read noise and reduced resolution
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into subsets and reading them sequentially, the patent achieves higher frame rates without requiring the entire sensor to be read out at maximum speed, thereby reducing read noise impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels to different parts of the image data. Video frames are captured at lower resolution using selected pixel subsets, while still images can utilize the full sensor array at high resolution. This local quality approach allows the system to optimize for speed in video mode while preserving image quality in still image mode.
3Speed
If a smaller sensor with fewer pixels is used to achieve higher frame rate, then the speed is improved, but the image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically reducing sensor size, the patent segments the existing large sensor into subsets that are sequentially activated. This virtual reduction allows the system to achieve high frame rates using only a portion of the sensor at any given time, while the full sensor remains available when high resolution is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically configures which pixel subsets are active at different times. The system can switch between using all pixels for high-resolution still images and using selected subsets for high-frame-rate video, providing dynamic adaptability between resolution and speed requirements.
4Speed
If sequential exposure of pixel subsets is implemented to capture high frame rate movies, then the frame rate is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent organizes pixels into predefined subsets with specific spatial patterns, allowing systematic control of which regions are exposed at different times. This structured segmentation simplifies the control logic compared to arbitrary pixel selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic sequential exposure of pixel subsets in a repeating cycle. This periodic pattern simplifies the control mechanism by establishing a regular rhythm of exposure and readout operations, making the timing and coordination more manageable.
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 device allows for higher frame rates for movies and retains high spatial resolution for still images, with adjustable balance between resolution and frame rate, and the ability to capture different parts of a scene at varying resolutions, suitable for applications like security and robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor having an active area comprising a set of pixels, each pixel providing in use data that represents the exposure of that pixel
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
An image capture device (2) includes a sensor (4) having an active area comprising a plurality of pixels (6) and a shutter array (8) for controlling the exposure of individual pixels. The pixels are grouped in a plurality of pixel subsets and are arranged to capture a plurality of time-separated lo-res images, which can be viewed sequentially as a movie or combined to form a hi-res still image.