Imaging Apparatus Motion Detection Blur Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging technologies face challenges in efficiently removing blur from images due to high calculation complexity, particularly in devices with limited resources like mobile apparatuses and digital cameras, which degrades image quality and usability.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus equipped with a motion detector and controller that uses acceleration, angular velocity, and gyroscope sensors to detect motion and suspend image data readout when motion exceeds a threshold, preventing blur and optimizing exposure triggers, thereby reducing computational complexity and enhancing usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If blur removal is performed by detecting blur in the imaged image and image-processing the detected blur, then blur can be removed from the image, but high calculation complexity is required which lowers data processing rate and reduces usability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting motion during the exposure period before the image is fully captured. The motion detector continuously monitors motion parameters, and when motion exceeds a threshold, the controller interrupts exposure or adjusts readout timing. This prevents blur from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to remove it through complex post-processing calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/computational approach of post-capture blur removal with a sensor-based motion detection system. By using motion detectors to sense physical motion parameters during exposure and using this information to control the imaging process in real-time, the system substitutes complex image processing algorithms with simpler motion-based control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If motion detection and control is implemented to prevent blur during exposure, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional motion sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses motion data as an intermediary between the physical motion of the camera and the imaging process. The motion detector captures motion parameters, which serve as intermediate information that the controller uses to adjust exposure timing and readout operations. This intermediary approach allows the system to respond to motion without requiring direct mechanical intervention or complex control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters of the imaging system based on detected motion parameters. When motion exceeds a threshold, the controller modifies exposure time, readout timing, or other imaging parameters to compensate for the motion. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain image quality while using relatively simple motion detection and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively removes blur from images by anticipating and preventing high-blur conditions, resulting in improved image quality and increased efficiency, even in devices with limited resources, by synthesizing multiple images to produce a sharper final image.

Implementation Method 1

a motion detector configured to detect motion data of the imaging apparatus while the image data is captured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

uses acceleration, angular velocity, and gyroscope sensors to detect motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngular velocity detection: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 3

outputting image data for a subject in an image sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3207696B1Imaging apparatus and imaging method
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3207696B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3207696B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3207696B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

An imaging apparatus and an imaging method are provided. The imaging apparatus includes an imager configured to output image data for a subject, a motion detector configured to detect motion of the imaging apparatus, and a controller configured to control the imager to suspend output of the image data in response to the motion detector detecting the motion.