Imaging Apparatus Flicker Correction via Spatial Phase Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies fail to effectively reduce the influence of fluctuating illumination light intensity on imaging pictures, especially when the positional relationship between the illumination apparatus and the imaging object varies, as they rely on time-based correction methods that do not account for differing flicker degrees.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that calculates a flicker correction gain based on pixel signals from both imaging and light intensity detection pixels, with individual exposure timing and period settings for these pixels, allowing for spatial phase interpolation to correct for flicker across the image, regardless of the positional relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If correction is performed based on time change of illumination light intensity using a second photodiode, then the influence of illumination fluctuation can be reduced, but the difference in flicker degree for each imaging object arising from positional relationship variations cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging pixels are divided into multiple pixel groups (first through fourth pixel groups) arranged in different spatial positions. Each pixel group captures illumination light from different spatial phases, enabling the system to account for positional variations between the illumination apparatus and imaging objects. This segmentation allows independent correction for each spatial position, resolving the contradiction between correction accuracy and positional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional time-based correction to two-dimensional correction by incorporating spatial dimension. Multiple pixel groups are arranged in both horizontal and vertical directions, capturing illumination variations across different spatial positions. The correction gain calculation incorporates both temporal information (from sequential exposure) and spatial information (from multiple pixel group positions), enabling comprehensive flicker correction that adapts to various positional relationships.
2Reliability
If individual exposure timing and period are set for imaging pixels and light intensity detection pixels, then spatial phase interpolation can be performed to correct flicker across the image, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic exposure cycles where imaging pixels and light intensity detection pixels are exposed alternately in a repeating sequence. The control section sets exposure periods that are integer multiples of each other, creating a synchronized periodic pattern. This periodic action simplifies the control logic compared to arbitrary timing schemes, as the system only needs to maintain fixed phase relationships between exposure cycles rather than dynamically adjusting timing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple pixel groups that are essentially copies of the same functional unit (light intensity detection capability) arranged at different spatial positions. Each pixel group performs the same function of detecting illumination intensity but at different spatial phases. This copying approach allows the system to obtain spatial information without adding fundamentally new functional elements, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive flicker correction.
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 enables the acquisition of images with reduced flicker influence, ensuring consistent illumination correction across varying positional relationships between the illumination apparatus and imaging object.
Implementation Method 1
a first photodiode for imaging an imaging object and a second photodiode for detecting a fluctuation of the intensity of the illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
A control section sets an exposure timing and an exposure period for imaging pixels for acquiring an imaging picture and light intensity detection pixels for detecting intensity of illumination light individually by an imaging section. A correction gain calculation section calculates a flicker correction gain for each of the imaging pixels on the basis of pixel signals generated by the imaging pixels and pixel signals generated by the light intensity detection pixels. A flicker correction section uses the flicker correction gain for each imaging pixel calculated by the correction gain calculation section to perform flicker correction of the imaging pixel. Accordingly, an imaging picture can be obtained on which the influence of fluctuation of the intensity of emission light is reduced irrespective of the positional relationship between an illumination apparatus and an imaging object.