Image Stabilization via Multi-Exposure Fusion and Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image capturing technologies, both optical sensing and software compensation mechanisms, fail to effectively prevent blurred images caused by involuntary hand movements, especially in low-end cameras, due to complex mechanisms, high costs, and suboptimal image recovery quality.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus and method that utilize a multi-exposure capturing technique, recording and fusing different frequency components of images captured with varying exposure times to generate a clearer and less noisy output image, incorporating a motion sensor, buffer unit, and processing unit to reconstruct and fuse images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If optical sensing mechanism with motion sensor and floating lens is used, then image stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical floating lens system with a software-based image processing system. The motion sensor data is used to guide digital image stabilization algorithms that process the captured images computationally, eliminating the need for complex mechanical lens adjustment mechanisms while achieving similar or better stabilization results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures multiple copies of the same scene with different exposure times (first image with longer exposure, second image with shorter exposure). These multiple image copies are then processed and fused to achieve stabilization, replacing the need for complex real-time mechanical correction systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If optical sensing mechanism with charge coupled device is used, then image stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical stabilization mechanisms with affordable software-based processing. The system uses standard image sensors combined with motion sensor data and computational algorithms to achieve stabilization, making the technology accessible for low-end and thin cameras without requiring complex mechanical assemblies that increase manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the exposure time parameter to create multiple images with different temporal characteristics. By capturing a first image with longer exposure and a second image with shorter exposure, the system obtains complementary information that can be fused to achieve stabilization without requiring expensive hardware modifications.
3Device complexity
If single image post-processing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to noise and blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple images (first image with longer exposure and second image with shorter exposure) that capture the same scene. By combining these complementary images through fusion algorithms, the system achieves superior image quality with reduced noise and blur compared to processing a single image, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic capture of multiple images with different exposure parameters. The systematic alternation between long exposure and short exposure captures provides complementary information at different temporal scales, which when processed together, enhances image quality by separating signal from noise more effectively than single-image processing.
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 provides improved image stability and quality by reducing blur and noise in images taken with long exposure times, enhancing the overall image capturing experience, particularly in low-end cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor is provided for detecting any movement or deviation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for compensating movement of an image capturing apparatus is applied in a photographing mode whose exposure time is greater than the safe shutter time. The method includes the steps of: capturing a long exposure image under the desired exposure time and a short exposure image with an exposure time smaller than or equal to the safe shutter time, and recording a camera motion signal in the exposure time of the long exposure image. The image-shift signal is used to reconstruct the short exposure image and form a reconstructed image, and an image analyzing algorithm is utilized to extract the reconstructed image and the short exposure image of a different frequency component. Finally, different frequency components of the image are fused according to the specific ratios to produce a clear output image.