Extending Image Frame Time for Lens Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image frame processing, the limited frame time due to prolonged frame integration periods often leaves insufficient time for the camera lens to reposition and focus accurately, resulting in unreliable focus values and degraded image sharpness.
Innovation Solution
The frame time is extended by adding a second time period after the initial frame integration period, allowing the lens actuator sufficient time to move and focus on the region of interest, with the additional time based on permitted focus value contamination and exposure time, enabling the collection of a more accurate focus value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the frame integration time period is prolonged to improve image quality in low light conditions, then the image sensor can accumulate sufficient light data, but there is insufficient time remaining in the frame time to reposition the lens of the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extending the frame time before the actual frame integration period begins. This additional time is used to reposition the lens to the correct focus position before light accumulation starts, ensuring that the lens is stationary during the integration period and can be accurately positioned even when integration time is prolonged for low light conditions
2Quantity of substance
If the frame integration time period is extended to capture more light, then better image data is obtained, but the focus value collection becomes contaminated because the lens is moving during integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by completing lens repositioning before the frame integration period begins. The extended frame time includes a pre-integration phase where the lens is moved to the target position, ensuring the lens is stationary when focus values are collected during the actual integration period, thus eliminating contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frame time into distinct phases: an extended pre-integration period for lens repositioning, and the actual frame integration period for light accumulation and focus value collection. This segmentation ensures that lens movement occurs only in the pre-integration phase, keeping focus measurements clean and accurate
3Measurement precision
If the frame time is extended to allow lens repositioning, then focus accuracy is improved, but the overall frame processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs lens repositioning in advance during the extended frame time before image processing begins. By completing the time-consuming lens movement operation beforehand, the actual image processing can proceed without delay, maintaining frame rate performance while achieving accurate focus
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes determining, at an image processor, a first time period associated with processing a first frame of an image captured via an image sensor. The method also includes extending a frame time for processing the first frame by a second time period. The second time period is based at least in part on an amount of permitted focus value contamination for processing the first frame, and the frame time includes the first time period and the second time period.