Image Stabilization Using Light Sensors and Directional Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image stabilization systems in cameras, relying on gyroscopes, often require additional components to correct for hand jitter and field-of-view changes, which can lead to image blur.
Innovation Solution
An image stabilization system utilizing a pair of light sensors and directional light filters to detect changes in incident light angles, generating signals for an image stabilization circuit to correct for motion, thereby stabilizing the image without the need for additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gyroscope is used to detect motion for image stabilization, then motion detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motion detection function from the traditional gyroscope-based system and implements it using only existing light sensors and directional light filters that are already present in the camera system. This eliminates the need for additional gyroscope components while maintaining motion detection capability through analysis of light angle changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensors and directional light filters, which are already necessary for the camera's basic operation, are made to serve a dual function: capturing light for imaging and detecting motion for stabilization. This self-service approach allows the existing components to provide stabilization functionality without requiring separate dedicated motion sensing hardware.
2Reliability
If multiple components are added to correct for hand jitter, then image stabilization performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional light filters and light sensors are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve both the primary function of light capture for imaging and the secondary function of motion detection for stabilization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stabilization components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining stabilization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motion detection function with the existing light sensing system by combining directional light filters with light sensors. This integration allows both imaging and stabilization functions to be achieved through a unified component structure, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to separate dedicated systems.
3Measurement precision
If additional parts are used for blur correction, then image clarity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gyroscope-based stabilization system with an optical-electrical system using light sensors and directional light filters. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts and additional stabilization components while achieving the same image clarity improvement through electronic processing of light angle data.
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 solution effectively stabilizes images by generating correction signals based on light sensor data, reducing blur caused by hand jitter and field-of-view changes without the need for extra components, enhancing image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a first directional light filter configured to selectively permit passage of incident light to the first pair of light sensors based on an angle of the incident light with reference to a first axis
Implementation Method 2
each light sensor is configured to provide a signal indicative of intensity of light received by the light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for image stabilization is disclosed. The image stabilization system includes a first pair of light sensors placed along an axis relative to a first axis, each light sensor is configured to provide a signal indicative of intensity of light received by the light sensor. The image stabilization system further includes a first directional light filter configured to selectively permit passage of incident light to the first pair of light sensors based on an angle of the incident light with reference to the first axis. An image stabilization circuit is configured to receive a pair of signals from the first pair of light sensors and generates a first signal indicative of a change in the angle of incidence of the incident light with reference to the first axis.