Single Sensor Image Stabilization via Pixel Subsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image stabilization systems for moving objects in low light conditions require additional illumination, are inefficient due to energy splitting between multiple sensors, and struggle to capture multiple objects moving in different directions.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor system that tracks a moving object by identifying a marker using a subset of pixels and forms an image using neighboring pixels, eliminating the need for energy splitting and specialized optics, allowing for reduced exposure time and improved performance in capturing multiple objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tracker sensor and OTCCD sensor are used to stabilize moving objects in low light conditions, then image stabilization can be achieved, but the available light energy is split between two sensors which reduces the performance of each sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tracker sensor and OTCCD sensor into a single integrated sensor that performs both tracking and imaging functions. This eliminates the need to split light energy between two separate sensors, allowing the full available light energy to be utilized for image formation while maintaining stabilization capability through internal pixel-based tracking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a tracker sensor and an OTCCD sensor. By integrating tracking pixels and imaging pixels within the same sensor array, the system achieves universal functionality that eliminates energy splitting while maintaining both stabilization and imaging performance in low light conditions.
2Reliability
If a tracker sensor and OTCCD sensor are used for image stabilization, then moving objects can be tracked, but special optics such as beam splitters are needed which increase system size, cost, and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracker sensor and OTCCD sensor into a single integrated sensor array, eliminating the need for beam splitters and other specialized optics. The sensor includes both tracking pixels and imaging pixels in the same array, which removes complex optical components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tracking function from a separate tracker sensor and integrates it directly into the OTCCD sensor array. By taking out the need for separate tracking hardware and embedding tracking capability within the imaging sensor itself, the system eliminates complex optics and reduces overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If light energy is split between tracker sensor and OTCCD sensor, then both functions can be performed, but the exposure time of the OTCCD sensor must be extended which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tracking and imaging functions in a single sensor array, allowing simultaneous operation without energy splitting. This enables the system to maintain both tracker and OTCCD functionality while using the full available light energy for imaging, thus reducing required exposure time and improving imaging speed and productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional imaging uses short exposures to freeze motion, then motion blur is prevented, but additional illumination such as flash strobe is required which is impossible or undesirable at long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single-shot imaging approach with the integrated sensor that captures motion-frozen images without requiring repeated exposures or additional illumination. The system achieves motion freeze capability through the sensor's ability to capture sufficient photons in a single exposure, eliminating the need for flash strobe or other artificial illumination sources.
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 image stabilization performance by reducing energy splitting, lowering system complexity and cost, and enabling the capture of multiple objects moving in different directions without additional illumination, while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor having an array of pixels, wherein the sensor is configured to track a moving object using a subset of the pixels and form an image of the moving object using the subset of the pixels and neighboring pixels that were not used to track the moving object
Data Source
AI summary
Image stabilization devices, methods, and systems are described herein. One image stabilization device includes a sensor having an array of pixels, wherein the sensor is configured to track a moving object using a number of the pixels, wherein the number of the pixels track only a particular portion of the moving object, and form an image of the moving object using the number of the pixels and their neighboring pixels that were not used to track the moving object.