Variable Imaging Period Control for LED Signal Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses struggle to accurately capture LED signals in a lit state due to exposure timing issues when using a shutter speed shorter than the standard imaging period, leading to the LED signal being displayed as unlit, and irregular exposure timing results in discontinuous movement in images.
Innovation Solution
An imaging processing apparatus that adjusts the imaging period of an imager to generate frames with varying exposure times, controls shutter timing based on light levels, and uses phase correction to interpolate frames and maintain image continuity, ensuring accurate representation of LED signals and smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exposure time is shortened to capture fast LED signals, then the ability to capture LED signals in a lit state is improved, but the imaging period becomes irregular causing discontinuous movement in images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the imaging period variable rather than fixed. The imaging period is dynamically adjusted based on the exposure time requirements for capturing LED signals. By allowing the imaging period to vary while maintaining the standard reproduction rate, the system can capture fast LED signals accurately while preserving continuous movement representation through frame interpolation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging period parameter from a fixed standard value to a variable parameter that adapts to exposure time requirements. When fast shutter speeds are used to capture LED signals, the imaging period is adjusted accordingly, and frame interpolation is applied to maintain the appearance of continuous movement at standard reproduction rates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard imaging period is used to maintain video standard compliance, then output conforming to video standards is achieved, but LED signals may be captured in unlit state due to exposure timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct parts: actual exposure and frame reproduction. The exposure time can be shortened to capture LED signals accurately, while the frame reproduction maintains the standard imaging period to ensure video standard compliance. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frame interpolation as an intermediary process between exposure and reproduction. This intermediary technique allows the system to use non-standard exposure times for capturing LED signals while still producing output that conforms to video standards through mathematical interpolation of frames.
3Reliability
If irregular imaging period is used to increase probability of exposing LED signal in lit state, then LED signal capture is improved, but exposure timing becomes irregular causing discontinuous movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the imaging period variable rather than fixed. The imaging period is dynamically adjusted based on the exposure time requirements for capturing LED signals. By allowing the imaging period to vary while maintaining the standard reproduction rate, the system can capture fast LED signals accurately while preserving continuous movement representation through frame interpolation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to detect the state of LED signals and adjusts exposure timing accordingly. By monitoring whether LED signals are captured in a lit or unlit state, the system can adaptively adjust the imaging period to increase the probability of capturing LED signals in their intended state while maintaining overall image continuity.
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 captures LED signals in a lit state and maintains image continuity by adjusting exposure times and interpolating frames, preventing the LED signal from being displayed as unlit and ensuring smooth movement in images.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging apparatus includes an imager 1 that accumulates, in an imaging period, electric charges corresponding to light from a subject
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an imaging processing apparatus comprising: an imaging period controller configured, when driving an imager with an exposure time less than a standard imaging period, to generate a frame of the standard imaging period every certain frames and to control an imaging period so that one of a preceding frame and succeeding frame of the frame of the standard imaging period has an imaging period shorter than the standard imaging period and the other has an imaging period longer than the standard imaging period; a shutter controller configured to control reset timing of electric charges accumulated in the imager in accordance with the imaging period of the imager; a storage configured to store therein taken images by the imager with the reset timing controlled; and a reading controller configured to read and output the taken images stored in the storage with a reproduction speed corresponding to the standard imaging period.