Image Stabilization Control for Panning Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing apparatuses face challenges in correctly detecting panning operations and motion vectors, especially when shooting low-contrast objects, leading to impaired image blurring correction performance.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing apparatus with a shake detection unit, motion vector detection unit, and a motion vector output control unit that selectively outputs data from both units to calculate and correct image blurring, allowing for effective panning operation control even with incorrect motion vector detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motion vector detection is used for panning detection and image blurring correction, then image blurring correction performance is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates when shooting low-contrast objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage blurring correction performanceVSAvoidmotion vector detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an angular velocity sensor as an intermediary device to detect shake information independently of image content. This sensor provides reliable shake detection data even when motion vector detection fails on low-contrast objects, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between image-based detection and actual shake correction needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the image-processing-based motion vector detection system with a physics-based angular velocity sensor for shake detection. This substitution uses mechanical sensing (gyroscopic effect) instead of optical/image analysis, providing reliable detection independent of image contrast or content

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If motion vector output control is implemented to handle panning states, then panning operation control is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanning operation controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different control modes (panning detection mode and fixed-point shooting mode) based on real-time angular velocity threshold comparisons. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to automatically adjust its behavior without complex manual configuration, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through automated logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the image blurring correction function based on detected panning states. By adjusting whether correction is applied or suppressed based on angular velocity thresholds, the system achieves adaptive control without requiring complex structural modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9264616B2Image capturing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium for correcting image blurring of a captured image

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 CANON KK

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus comprises a shake detection unit configured to detect a shake, a motion vector detection unit configured to detect a motion vector indicating movement of an image from a captured image signal, a motion vector output control unit configured to selectively output an output of the motion vector detection unit and an output of the shake detection unit, a correction amount calculation unit configured to calculate a shake correction amount based on at least one of the output of the motion vector output control unit and the output of the shake detection unit; and a correction unit configured to correct the image blurring of the captured image based on the shake correction amount.