OIS Module Super-Resolution Imaging via Subpixel Shifts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-based applications face limitations due to image quality issues like blur and insufficient resolution, and the inclusion of high-resolution sensors increases camera costs, necessitating a cost-effective solution for obtaining high-resolution images on demand.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing optical image stabilization (OIS) hardware and image processing techniques to capture multiple low-resolution images and process them to produce high-resolution images, with the OIS module moving to specific positions based on resolution requirements and employing algorithms like Fourier transforms and back-projection for de-blurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high resolution sensor is used, then image resolution is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple low-resolution captures taken at different OIS positions, rather than using a single high-resolution sensor. Each capture contributes partial information that is later combined through image processing to reconstruct a high-resolution image, dividing the resolution achievement across multiple lower-cost components and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The OIS module serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables super-resolution by capturing multiple images at different positions. Instead of directly using a high-resolution sensor, the system uses the OIS hardware (designed for motion compensation) as a mediator to acquire multiple low-resolution images that are then processed to achieve high resolution, bridging the gap between low-resolution hardware and high-resolution output.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured and processed, then image resolution is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images in quick succession with the OIS module positioned at predetermined locations before any processing occurs. The images are captured with proper timing and positioning in advance, preparing the data in a format optimized for subsequent super-resolution processing, which reduces the overall time penalty by having the groundwork ready beforehand.
3Measurement precision
If OIS module moves to specific positions, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The OIS module, originally designed for a single function of optical image stabilization and motion compensation, is repurposed to perform multiple functions: it stabilizes images during capture and simultaneously enables super-resolution imaging by moving to specific predetermined positions. This multi-functionality allows the existing hardware to achieve enhanced resolution capabilities without adding dedicated super-resolution mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An imaging device for producing a high resolution image of a target with an imaging sensor and a method using the same is provided. The method is comprised of the steps of: determining, from the target size, resolution requirements of the image to be produced; capturing multiple individual low resolution images of the target, a minimum number of individual images captured being based upon the resolution requirements determined in the determining resolution requirements step; moving the OIS module to specific positions between the capturing of the individual low resolution images in the capturing multiple low resolution images step, the specific positions being based upon the resolution requirements in the determining resolution requirements step; and processing the multiple low resolution images to produce a high resolution image.