Interlaced Exposure Image Sensor for Motion Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high dynamic range image sensors suffer from motion artifacts when capturing images with varying exposure times, as fast-moving objects are not captured at the same spatial location, leading to pronounced artifacts in the reconstructed image, and require excessive storage, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
The method employs alternating interlaced exposure fields within each frame, where odd and even row pairs of pixels capture images using different exposure times that overlap, allowing for simultaneous capture of high dynamic range images while reducing motion artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple exposures of varying exposure times are taken at different times, then high dynamic range images can be captured, but motion artifacts occur because fast moving objects cannot be captured at the same spatial location
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor array is segmented into first and second sets of image sensing elements (e.g., alternating rows or columns), where each set captures a different exposure time simultaneously. This spatial segmentation allows multiple exposures to be captured within a single frame time, eliminating motion artifacts while maintaining high dynamic range capability.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional multiple exposure techniques are used, then high dynamic range images can be captured, but excessive storage is required, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple exposures of varying exposure times are merged into a single image frame by capturing them simultaneously in different spatial locations within the same array. This combining approach eliminates the need for storing multiple separate exposure images, reducing storage requirements while maintaining high dynamic range capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If alternating interlaced exposure fields are used within each frame, then motion artifacts are reduced and full resolution is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the image sensor array are assigned different exposure times (first set captures long exposure, second set captures short exposure) to optimize for local lighting conditions. This local quality approach allows each region to capture optimal exposure data while maintaining full resolution and reducing motion artifacts, with control implemented through simple row/column selection logic.
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 effectively reduces motion artifacts in high dynamic range images by capturing multiple exposures within a single frame time, maintaining full image resolution and enabling accurate motion correction during processing.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel comprising a photodetector and having an associated integration period
Data Source
AI summary
An imager includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and a control circuit for sequentially capturing first and second image frames from the array of pixels. The control circuit is configured to sequentially capture first and second pairs of adjacent rows of pixels during first and second exposure times, respectively, when capturing the first image frame. The control circuit is also configured to sequentially capture first and second pairs of adjacent rows of pixels during second and first exposure times, respectively, when capturing the second image frame. The first exposure times during the first and second frames are of similar duration; and the second exposure times during the first and second frames are of similar duration. The control circuit is configured to detect motion of an object upon combining the first and second image frames and, then, correct for the motion of the object.