Low-Frame-Rate Night Vision Video Camera Using Composite Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems struggle to produce high-quality video streams and perform motion detection and object recognition in low light conditions without the use of IR illumination, due to space, cost, and power constraints, particularly in devices with limited profiles.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a composite image frame technique that aligns and merges multiple still images captured at variable frame rates and exposures to enhance image quality, allowing for high-quality video streams and reliable object recognition in low light environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If IR illumination is used to improve video quality in low light, then image quality is improved, but device complexity, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the IR filter from the optical path, allowing the image sensor to directly capture both visible and infrared light. This extraction of the filtering mechanism enables the sensor to utilize the full spectrum of available light without requiring additional IR illumination hardware, thereby improving image quality while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing visible light for normal imaging and capturing infrared light for low-light conditions simultaneously. By making the sensor universal across different light spectrums and conditions, the system eliminates the need for separate IR illumination hardware while maintaining image quality across varying lighting environments
2Illumination intensity
If IR light source is added to provide illumination, then image quality is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the IR filter component from the optical system, allowing the existing image sensor to capture infrared light directly. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble additional IR illumination hardware, reducing production costs while maintaining the ability to capture images in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves itself by capturing both visible and infrared light without requiring external IR illumination sources. The sensor's inherent capability to detect infrared wavelengths allows it to function autonomously across different lighting conditions, eliminating the need for additional illumination hardware and reducing manufacturing costs
3Illumination intensity
If IR light source is used for low light illumination, then image quality is improved, but thermal load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful effect of blocking infrared light (via the IR filter) into a beneficial effect by removing the filter. This allows the sensor to naturally capture infrared radiation from the environment without requiring active IR illumination, thereby improving image quality in low-light conditions while avoiding the thermal load generated by high-power IR LEDs
4Reliability
If mechanical IR filter switching is implemented, then low light performance is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical IR filter switching mechanism from the optical system. By eliminating this moving part entirely, the system achieves reliable low-light performance through the image sensor's inherent infrared sensitivity, while freeing up significant space that would have been required for the filter assembly and actuation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor performs the dual function of capturing both visible and infrared light without requiring any mechanical switching or filtering components. This self-service capability allows the sensor to adapt to different lighting conditions automatically, improving reliability while minimizing the physical space required for the imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device receives a first plurality of images of a scene captured by an image sensor of an electronic device, receives an ambient light level proximate to the electronic device, and determines whether the ambient light level is less than a first threshold value. In accordance with a determination that the ambient light level is less than the first threshold value, the electronic device detects motion in the scene based on one or more of the first plurality of images. In accordance with detecting motion in the scene, the electronic device receives a second plurality of images of the scene captured by the image sensor of the electronic device, forms a composite image from two or more of the second plurality of images, and causes the composite image to be presented for display on a user device.