Rolling Shutter Image Distortion Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging methods for moving samples using rolling reading in image acquisition devices often result in image distortion due to varying exposure times across pixel rows, which affects the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio).

Innovation Solution

An image acquisition device and method that synchronizes the exposure of all pixel rows by controlling the instantaneous light emission to ensure all pixel rows receive the optical image of a sample at the same timing, using a two-dimensional imaging element capable of rolling reading and a control unit to manage light emission based on trigger signals from the imaging element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rolling reading is used to reduce noise and improve S/N ratio, then noise is reduced and S/N ratio is improved, but image distortion occurs when imaging moving samples

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveS/N ratioVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting means emits light in advance before the reading period starts, so that by the time reading begins, the light has already illuminated the entire sample area. This preliminary lighting action ensures that all pixel rows capture images of the sample at the same temporal moment, eliminating distortion caused by sample movement during sequential reading while maintaining the noise reduction benefits of rolling reading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If sequential exposure is performed in each pixel row, then noise is reduced, but the optical image of the sample is received at different timing in each pixel row causing distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidexposure timing difference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary light emission before the rolling reading process begins. This ensures that the entire sample is illuminated with light that will be captured simultaneously across all pixel rows, effectively synchronizing the exposure timing without sacrificing the noise reduction advantages of sequential reading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively reduces noise and achieves a sufficient S/N ratio while suppressing distortion in the acquired still images of moving samples.

Implementation Method 1

an optical image of the sample irradiated with the instantaneous light is captured using the two-dimensional imaging element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3064982B1Image acquisition device and image acquisition method for image acquisition device
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3064982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3064982B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3064982B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an image acquisition device (1), imaging is performed using an imaging element (6) capable of rolling reading an optical image of a sample S irradiated with instantaneous light. Therefore, the image can be captured with a sufficient S/N ratio even when the optical image is weak. Further, the image acquisition device (1) includes a light source control unit (13) (control unit) that causes the instantaneous light to be emitted from a light source (3) (light emitting means) from the start of exposure of a pixel row of which reading last starts to the start of reading of a pixel row of which the reading first starts. That is, in the image acquisition device (1), the light source control unit (13) causes the sample to be irradiated with the instantaneous light from the light emitting means during a period of time in which all pixel rows of the imaging element (6) are exposed. Accordingly, since an optical image of the sample (S) is received in the respective pixel rows at the same timing, it is possible to acquire a still image of which the distortion is suppressed.