Image Sensor Flicker Detection via Multi-Sample Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors often fail to detect flicker in images captured using exposure times that are multiples of an assumed frequency, leading to horizontal bands in the image that are difficult to distinguish from scene content, especially when the actual frequency differs from the assumed one.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating flicker detection regions within the image sensor, where pixels are sampled multiple times during image capture, and a processor analyzes these samples to detect flicker, allowing for compensation by adjusting exposure times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If exposure times are set as multiples of an assumed frequency to avoid flicker, then flicker at that frequency is reduced, but flicker at different frequencies becomes undetectable and produces horizontal bands
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two distinct functional regions: a main imaging area for capturing the scene and separate flicker detection regions for monitoring light source flicker. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region's function, enabling flicker detection without compromising main image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Dedicated flicker detection regions act as intermediary sensors that specifically monitor the light source frequency. These regions sample the scene multiple times during image capture to detect flicker patterns, providing information that mediates between the exposure time settings and the actual light source frequency, enabling dynamic adjustment to eliminate horizontal bands.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sampling operations are performed in flicker detection regions, then flicker detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flicker detection function is extracted from the main imaging process and implemented in dedicated flicker detection regions. By separating this function, the patent performs multiple sampling operations only in these specific regions rather than across the entire sensor array, reducing the overall processing complexity while maintaining high flicker detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sampling operations are performed only in the flicker detection regions rather than across the entire image sensor. This partial action approach provides sufficient data for accurate flicker detection without the excessive processing burden of sampling all pixels multiple times, achieving the right balance between detection accuracy and processing complexity.
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
Enables effective detection and compensation for flicker, even when the frequency differs from the assumed one, reducing the appearance of horizontal bands and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
Each flicker detection region includes one or more pixels. The pixel(s) in at least one flicker detection region are sampled multiple times while at least one pixel in the imaging area capture an image
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes an imaging area and one or more flicker detection regions. The imaging area includes pixels that capture one or more images. Each flicker detection region includes pixels that are sampled multiple times while an image is being captured. The samples can be analyzed to detect flicker in the scene being imaged.