Image Sensor Pixel Group Segmentation for Motion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital photographing apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption and correcting motion blur effectively, especially in low luminance environments and nightscape conditions, where existing methods are inefficient and may introduce shake effects.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an image sensor with a first pixel group and a second pixel group, where the second pixel group acquires imaging signals multiple times while the first group acquires them once, allowing for motion correction based on the difference in signal values and shake information, and includes a processor to generate a motion-corrected image, reducing power consumption and eliminating shake effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image sensor acquires imaging signals multiple times in the second pixel group to correct motion blur, then the motion correction accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two pixel groups: a first pixel group that acquires imaging signals once and a second pixel group that acquires imaging signals multiple times. This segmentation allows motion correction to be performed using only the second pixel group data, improving motion correction accuracy while limiting the increased power consumption to only a portion of the total pixels rather than the entire sensor array.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image sensor acquires imaging signals multiple times to eliminate shake effects, then the image quality is improved, but the acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into two groups with different acquisition frequencies, the patent enables motion correction and shake effect elimination using multiple frames from the second pixel group while maintaining faster overall acquisition throughput. The first pixel group provides baseline data acquired less frequently, reducing the total time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor implements periodic acquisition where the second pixel group acquires signals multiple times at regular intervals while the first pixel group acquires signals less frequently. This periodic multi-frame acquisition from the second pixel group enables effective motion correction and shake elimination while maintaining efficient overall operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the first pixel group has more pixels than the second pixel group, then the overall image coverage is improved, but the motion correction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into a larger first pixel group for comprehensive image coverage and a smaller second pixel group dedicated to motion correction. The first pixel group's larger size ensures complete scene coverage, while the second pixel group's multiple acquisitions provide sufficient data for accurate motion correction despite having fewer pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different functions: the first pixel group is optimized for comprehensive image coverage with larger area, while the second pixel group is optimized for motion correction with multiple acquisitions. This local quality differentiation allows each region to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
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
This approach reduces power consumption and improves the accuracy of motion correction, enabling clear images with reduced or no shake effects even in low light conditions, enhancing image quality and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor including a first pixel group and a second pixel group each pixel group including a plurality of pixels for generating an imaging signal by photoelectrically converting incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A digital photographing apparatus includes: an image sensor including a first pixel group and a second pixel group each pixel group including a plurality of pixels for generating an imaging signal by photoelectrically converting incident light, the image sensor being configured to acquire the imaging signal two or more times in the second pixel group and to acquire the imaging signal once in the first pixel group; and a processor configured to acquire an image in which a motion of a subject appears based on the imaging signal acquired by the image sensor, and to generate a motion-corrected image based on the imaging signal acquired in the second pixel group.