Optical Anti-Shake Mechanism for Geometric Deformation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image stabilization methods struggle with accurate correction of rotational and optical aberrations in image capture, particularly in low-contrast environments, due to the complexity and computational intensity of detecting motion vectors for geometric deformation processing.
Innovation Solution
An image capture apparatus with an optical anti-shake mechanism that applies geometric deformation processing based on orientation information, using a determination unit to set reference coordinates for the intersection of the optical axis and image sensor, allowing for precise correction of shake, rolling shutter distortion, and optical aberrations by driving optical correction elements perpendicular to the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion vectors are used for geometric deformation processing to correct rotational shake and optical aberration, then correction accuracy is improved, but the amount of computation increases explosively and detection becomes difficult in low-contrast images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (orientation information from orientation sensor) required for geometric deformation processing, discarding the complex motion vector detection process. This extraction approach obtains sufficient correction data without the explosive computation increase associated with full motion vector analysis, particularly in low-contrast imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces orientation information as an intermediary between shake detection and geometric deformation processing. Instead of directly computing motion vectors from image data (which is computationally intensive), the orientation sensor provides intermediate orientation data that simplifies the geometric deformation calculation while maintaining correction accuracy.
2Reliability
If motion vectors are detected from captured images for geometric deformation processing, then shake correction is achieved, but erroneous detection occurs in low-contrast images such as indoor scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the image-based motion vector detection mechanism with an orientation sensor-based detection mechanism. The orientation sensor directly measures camera orientation changes without relying on image contrast or feature detection, eliminating erroneous motion vector detection in low-contrast conditions while maintaining shake correction reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rolling shutter distortion and shake are estimated simultaneously from motion vectors, then comprehensive correction is achieved, but the number of estimation variables increases leading to explosive computation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correction process into independent components: orientation information is used separately for shake correction and rolling shutter distortion correction. This segmentation allows comprehensive correction of multiple distortion types without the explosive computation increase that would result from simultaneous estimation of all variables from motion vectors.
4Manufacturing precision
If geometric deformation processing is applied to correct optical aberration and distortion, then image quality is improved, but reference coordinate determination becomes complex when optical correction elements are moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines reference coordinates before the optical correction element (shift lens) is moved for shake correction. By establishing the reference coordinate system in advance, the patent simplifies subsequent geometric deformation processing for optical aberration and distortion correction, avoiding the complexity of dynamically adjusting reference coordinates during optical correction operations.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of hand movement correction and optical aberration correction, reducing computational complexity and improving image stability across various lighting conditions, including low-luminance environments, without the need for precise motion vector detection.
Implementation Method 1
an optical anti-shake mechanism that reduces a shake of a captured image by driving an optical correction element in a different direction from an optical axis of an imaging optical system in accordance with a detected shake
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture apparatus has an image sensor and an optical anti-shake mechanism that reduces a shake of a captured image by driving an optical correction element in a different direction from an optical axis of an imaging optical system in accordance with a detected shake. Reference coordinates for geometric deformation processing applied to the captured image are determined based on an amount and direction of a movement of the optical correction element. The geometric deformation processing is applied to the captured image using these reference coordinates and an amount of geometric deformation based on the detected shake. Coordinates of the captured image corresponding to an intersection of the optical axis and the image sensor after the optical correction element is moved through the driving are determined as the reference coordinates.