Low-Power Processor Control for Precise Optical Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with image stabilization (IS) functions require a separate IS processor, which consumes significant power and may not be suitable for time-sensitive operations like optical image stabilization (OIS).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low-power processor to control optical image stabilization (OIS) by storing IS control instructions in memory and using a polling timer to perform stabilization at preset intervals, leveraging a general-purpose processor for initialization and a low-power processor for computation and result generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate IS processor is used for optical image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the IS processor functions into the existing sensor processor, eliminating the need for a separate IS processor. The sensor processor is enhanced to handle both sensor control and image stabilization tasks, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the image stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the sensor operations and simultaneously executes the image stabilization algorithm. This multi-functional approach eliminates the dedicated IS processor, reducing power consumption while achieving both sensing and stabilization goals.
2Reliability
If a separate IS processor is used for optical image stabilization, then image stabilization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the IS processor functionality with the sensor processor into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces the total number of separate processors and components needed in the device, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining full image stabilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced sensor processor serves dual purposes: it manages sensor operations and executes image stabilization algorithms. This universal processor design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing device complexity while achieving multiple functions through a single versatile unit.
3Measurement precision
If polling timer is driven at high frequency for precise OIS, then timing precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a polling timer that operates at variable frequencies based on the current stabilization requirements. Instead of continuous high-frequency polling, the system uses periodic polling at adaptive intervals, achieving necessary timing precision while significantly reducing power consumption during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The polling timer frequency is dynamically adjusted based on the detected motion levels and stabilization needs. When significant motion is detected, the polling frequency increases for precise correction; when the scene is stable, the frequency decreases to conserve power, thereby optimizing the balance between timing precision and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for providing image stabilization (IS) using a low-power processor are provided. The method includes an IS control instruction group in a memory using a general-purpose processor when a camera operates, initialize based on the IS control instruction group, drive a polling timer included in the low-power processor so that IS may be performed at a preset interval based on the IS control instruction group, and correct a shake through the low-power processor based on the IS control instruction group.