MEMS-Controlled Image Sensor Movement for Multi-Frame Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-image composition technologies face challenges in reducing shakiness during photographing, which affects the quality of captured images and composite pictures, especially in handheld mobile terminals.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) to control the movement of an image sensor, dividing the exposure time into segments, and acquiring multiple images while moving the sensor to reduce shakiness and improve image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multi-image composition technology is used to improve image quality, then the quality of composite pictures is improved, but shakiness during photographing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidshakiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the image sensor movable rather than fixed. The MEMS device dynamically adjusts the position of the image sensor during exposure to counteract shaking movements. The sensor is controlled to move in real-time, allowing it to track and compensate for handheld camera shake, thereby maintaining image stability and quality during composition photography.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through the MEMS device, which continuously monitors and adjusts the image sensor position based on detected movement. The system uses feedback from the shaking motion to actively compensate and stabilize the sensor position, creating a closed-loop control system that reduces shakiness while maintaining image quality during multi-image composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If exposure time is extended to improve image quality, then the quality of captured images is improved, but the risk of shakiness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidexposure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic control of the image sensor position during the extended exposure period. By actively adjusting the sensor position in real-time to match camera movement, the system enables longer exposure times without the usual penalty of increased shakiness. The MEMS device compensates for movement throughout the extended exposure, maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning and continuously adjusting the image sensor to anticipated or detected movement patterns before they affect image quality. The MEMS device proactively compensates for shaking during the exposure period, allowing the system to maintain stability throughout the extended exposure time rather than reacting after damage is done.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If MEMS control is added to reduce shakiness, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the MEMS device as an intermediary component between the camera system and the image sensor. This intermediary actively manages and compensates for shaking movements, isolating the image capture process from the instability of handheld operation. The MEMS acts as a buffer that absorbs and corrects movement, improving image quality without requiring fundamental changes to the entire camera system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical stabilization systems with a MEMS-based electromagnetic control system. Instead of using large mechanical gimbals or lens-based stabilization, the invention uses micro-electro-mechanical systems with electromagnetic actuation to control sensor position. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving effective shake reduction.

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

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 reduces shakiness during photographing, enhances the quality of individual images, and improves the overall quality of composite pictures by aligning and composing images based on the MEMS-controlled movement.

Implementation Method 1

controlling by a micro-electro-mechanical system MEMS, an image sensor to move

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMEMS (Micro-electro-mechanical system): Microelectromechanical Systems

Data Source

PatentEP3493521B1Method and device for synthesizing multiple frames of images
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3493521B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3493521B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3493521B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed in the present invention are a method and device for synthesizing multiple frames of images. The method comprises: obtaining a first exposure time t needed for current shooting, and dividing the first exposure time t into N parts, N being M power of 4, and M being a positive integer; controlling, by means of an MEMS, an image sensor to move clockwise or anti-clockwise according to a preset pixel step, and controlling the image sensor to perform exposure at a second exposure time t/N after each movement of preset pixels, so as to obtain N frames of images; and performing synthesis processing on the N frames of images to obtain a synthesized photo. In the method for synthesizing multiple frames of images provided in embodiments of the present invention, movement of the image sensor is controlled by means of an MEMS, jitters in a shooting process are reduced, and the quality of each frame of image is improved, thereby improving the imaging quality of a photo obtained after synthesis of multiple images.