Image Flicker Detection via Row Variation Ratio Thresholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image retrieving apparatuses without flicker detection technology struggle to address flicker issues caused by artificial light sources, particularly in systems where light sensors are exposed row by row, leading to uneven brightness and dynamic ripples in retrieved images due to varying exposure times.
Innovation Solution
An image retrieving apparatus equipped with a processing circuit that calculates the variation ratio between current and previous images within a predetermined low frequency range, incrementing a detected flicker number when the ratio exceeds a threshold, and determining a flicker condition when the number surpasses a flicker number threshold, allowing for continuous detection and potential adjustment of exposure times to mitigate flicker effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If row-by-row exposure is used in image retrieving apparatus, then the exposure time for each row can be controlled, but flicker artifacts appear in the retrieved image due to varying exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by calculating the variation ratio between current and previous images, comparing it against a threshold, and accumulating flicker detection counts. When the flicker count exceeds a threshold, the system activates flicker elimination processing. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time detection and correction of flicker artifacts while maintaining row-by-row exposure efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts exposure parameters based on detected flicker conditions. When flicker is detected through variation ratio analysis, the system modifies exposure timing parameters to synchronize with the light source frequency, thereby eliminating flicker artifacts while preserving the benefits of row-by-row exposure.
2Productivity
If exposure time is fixed for all rows, then flicker is avoided, but image retrieving efficiency is reduced due to inability to optimize per-row exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed exposure timing to dynamic adaptive exposure timing. The system continuously monitors image variation ratios and adjusts exposure parameters in real-time based on detected flicker conditions, enabling both optimized per-row exposure and consistent image quality across varying lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Through continuous calculation of variation ratios between consecutive images and comparison with thresholds, the system establishes a feedback loop that maintains image quality consistency while allowing exposure time optimization. The feedback mechanism ensures that dynamic exposure adjustments do not compromise overall image quality.
3Device complexity
If flicker detection technology is not equipped, then device complexity is reduced, but flicker issues cannot be addressed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary flicker detection by continuously calculating variation ratios between current and previous images before flicker artifacts become visually apparent. The system proactively accumulates flicker detection counts and triggers elimination processing in advance, reducing the time required to address flicker issues while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 enables effective detection and potential elimination of flicker conditions in retrieved images by continuously calculating image variations, ensuring that flicker effects are addressed and image quality is maintained, even under varying exposure times and light source frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an image retrieving circuit (110) including a plurality of rows of light sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an image flicker detection method that includes the steps outlined below. An image retrieving is performed to retrieve a current image. A current variation ratio between first rows of pixels of the current image and second rows of pixels in a previous image is calculated. When both the current variation ratio and a previous variation ratio are determined to be larger than a ratio threshold, a detected flicker number is incremented. When the detected flicker number is determined to be larger than a flicker number threshold, a flicker condition is determined to occur. When the detected flicker number is determined to be not larger than the flicker number threshold, the current image becomes the previous image and the current variation ratio becomes the previous variation ratio such that a next image becomes the current image to repeat the above steps.