Image Stabilization Apparatus Using Dual Coefficient Selection for Translational Shake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image stabilization systems face challenges in accurately addressing translational shake, especially in lower frequency bands, due to improved performance in angular shake detection, which can lead to suboptimal image quality during hand-held photography.
Innovation Solution
An image stabilization apparatus and method that utilizes a processor and circuitry to detect motion vectors from images, calculate image stabilization coefficients based on both motion vectors and acceleration data, and adjust gains according to shutter speed and shooting distance to effectively mitigate translational shake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image stabilization performance for angular shake is improved, then angular shake detection accuracy is improved, but translational shake becomes more conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image stabilization function into two independent correction paths: one for angular shake using angular velocity sensor data, and another for translational shake using accelerometer data. This segmentation allows each correction path to be optimized independently, preventing the improvement in angular shake correction from negatively impacting translational shake correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for translational shake correction from relying on angular velocity data to using accelerometer data directly. This parameter change ensures that translational shake correction is based on accurate acceleration measurements rather than being derived from angular velocity measurements, thereby improving its reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image stabilization is performed in lower frequency band, then hand-held photography capability is improved, but detection accuracy becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that combines image signal data with accelerometer data to perform image stabilization in the lower frequency band. The image signal serves as an intermediary reference that helps maintain detection accuracy when using accelerometer data alone would be insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image stabilization system multi-functional by enabling it to operate effectively across different frequency bands using different data sources. The system can switch between or combine angular velocity sensor data for higher frequencies and accelerometer data for lower frequencies, providing universal stabilization capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image signal is used for lower frequency band stabilization, then hand-held photography is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image signal processing path with the accelerometer-based stabilization path, combining their outputs to achieve lower frequency band stabilization. This merging allows the system to leverage existing image processing capabilities without requiring entirely separate hardware or algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image stabilization apparatus comprises a motion vector detector that detects a motion vector from images repeatedly output from an image sensor; a first calculator that calculates a first image stabilization coefficient based on the motion vector; a second calculator that calculates a second image stabilization coefficient based on acceleration of shake of an image capturing apparatus; a determination unit that selects either of the first or the second image stabilization coefficient based on information about accuracy of detection of the motion vector; and a translational shake calculator that calculates an amount of translational shake using the first or the second image stabilization coefficient selected by the determination unit. In a case where the information indicates that the accuracy is low, the determination unit selects the second image stabilization coefficient, and select the first image stabilization coefficient otherwise.