{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854178","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854178","title":"Image pickup apparatus with flicker detection and having plurality of unit pixel areas, control method therefor, and storage medium","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-05-28T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":12,"abstract":"An image pickup apparatus which is capable of calculating light amount changing characteristics of an object with high accuracy and enlarging a dynamic range during photometric measurement. An image pickup device of the image pickup apparatus has a plurality of unit pixel areas arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a first pixel and a second pixel are included in each of the unit pixel areas. When a flicker detection mode in which an image signal for use in calculating the light amount changing characteristics of the object is obtained is selected, a first accumulation period and a second accumulation period for the first pixels and the second pixels, respectively, are set such that a first barycentric position which is a barycentric position of the first accumulation period and a second barycentric position which is a barycentric position of the second accumulation period correspond to each other."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Pickup Apparatus with Flicker Detection and Having Plurality of Unit Pixel Areas, Control Method Therefor, and Storage Medium patent introduces a novel image pickup apparatus designed to accurately calculate light amount changing characteristics and enhance dynamic range during photometric measurement. This innovation addresses the problem of flicker, which can significantly degrade image quality and accuracy in various applications. The core technical approach involves an image pickup device with a two-dimensional matrix of unit pixel areas, each containing a first and second pixel. By synchronizing the accumulation periods of these pixels, the system accurately detects and corrects flicker, leading to improved image quality and enhanced dynamic range.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its potential to improve image capture across a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical imaging, industrial inspection, and consumer electronics. In automotive imaging, the improved flicker detection capabilities can lead to more reliable advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). In medical imaging, the enhanced dynamic range can result in more detailed and accurate diagnostic images. In industrial inspection systems, the precise photometric measurements can lead to better quality control. In consumer electronics, the technology can improve image quality in smartphones, digital cameras, and other imaging devices.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is significant. As the demand for high-quality imaging continues to grow, there is a growing need for solutions that can address the problem of flicker and enhance dynamic range. The Image Pickup Apparatus with Flicker Detection and Having Plurality of Unit Pixel Areas, Control Method Therefor, and Storage Medium patent provides a compelling solution to this problem, making it a valuable asset in a wide range of applications. This technology is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of image capture.","layman_explanation":"The Image Pickup Apparatus with Flicker Detection and Having Plurality of Unit Pixel Areas, Control Method Therefor, and Storage Medium patent addresses a common issue in image capture: the distortion and inaccuracies caused by flickering light sources. This explanation breaks down the problem, the solution, and why it matters for business professionals.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nImagine taking a photo or video under fluorescent lights, and you notice a strange banding or strobing effect. That's flicker. It happens because the light source isn't constantly on; it's rapidly turning on and off, faster than your eye can see. Traditional cameras capture this flicker, resulting in images with uneven brightness and inaccurate colors. This is particularly problematic in industries where precise image capture is crucial, such as medical imaging (where accurate color representation is vital for diagnosis) or automotive (where reliable object detection is essential for self-driving cars). Current solutions often involve complex software algorithms to try and correct the flicker after the image is taken, but these are often imperfect and can introduce artifacts.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\n\nThe Image Pickup Apparatus with Flicker Detection and Having Plurality of Unit Pixel Areas, Control Method Therefor, and Storage Medium takes a different approach. Instead of trying to fix the flicker after the fact, it prevents it from being captured in the first place. Think of it like having two photographers taking pictures at slightly different times. By comparing the two images, you can figure out how the light was changing and correct for it. This patent uses a similar concept, but on a microscopic scale. The image sensor is designed with tiny 'pixel areas,' and each area has two 'eyes' (pixels) instead of one. These two pixels capture light at slightly different moments. By carefully synchronizing when each pixel captures light, the system can accurately measure how the light is flickering. This information is then used to adjust the image, removing the flicker and producing a clear, accurate picture. It's like having a built-in flicker filter that works in real-time.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis technology has significant implications for various industries. In the automotive sector, it can improve the reliability of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by ensuring accurate object detection even under flickering headlights. In medical imaging, it can enhance the accuracy of diagnostic images, leading to better patient care. In manufacturing, it can improve quality control processes by enabling more precise inspection of products. The market opportunity is substantial, as any industry that relies on high-quality image capture can benefit from this technology. It gives businesses a competitive edge by improving the performance and reliability of their products and services.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\n\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration into smartphones and other consumer electronics devices, providing users with improved image quality in everyday use. The market adoption timeline will depend on factors such as the cost of implementation and the willingness of manufacturers to adopt new technologies. From an investment perspective, this patent represents a promising opportunity for companies looking to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality image capture solutions.","technical_analysis":"The Image Pickup Apparatus with Flicker Detection and Having Plurality of Unit Pixel Areas, Control Method Therefor, and Storage Medium patent presents a novel technical architecture for addressing flicker in image sensors. The core of the system is an image pickup device consisting of a two-dimensional matrix of unit pixel areas. Each unit pixel area contains two pixels, a first and a second pixel, which are used to capture light information at slightly different times. The timing difference is carefully controlled to enable flicker detection and correction.\n\nThe implementation details involve precise control of the accumulation periods for each pixel. The patent specifies that the accumulation periods should be set such that the barycentric positions of the first and second pixels correspond to each other. This synchronization is crucial for accurately capturing the light amount changing characteristics of the object. The barycentric position is essentially the 'center of gravity' of the accumulation period. By aligning these centers, the system ensures that both pixels are capturing light information that is temporally aligned, despite the presence of flicker.\n\nThe algorithm for flicker detection involves analyzing the signals from the first and second pixels. By comparing the light intensities captured by each pixel, the system can estimate the frequency and amplitude of the flicker. This information is then used to correct the image signal, removing the effects of flicker and improving image quality. The specific algorithm used for flicker detection and correction is not explicitly detailed in the abstract, but it likely involves signal processing techniques such as filtering or interpolation.\n\nThe integration of this technology into existing image sensor designs would require modifications to the pixel layout and control circuitry. The addition of a second pixel to each unit pixel area would increase the complexity of the pixel design and potentially reduce the fill factor (the percentage of the pixel area that is sensitive to light). However, the benefits of improved flicker detection and dynamic range may outweigh these drawbacks. The control circuitry would also need to be modified to enable precise control of the accumulation periods for each pixel. This would likely involve the addition of timing circuits and control logic.\n\nIn terms of performance characteristics, the Image Pickup Apparatus with Flicker Detection and Having Plurality of Unit Pixel Areas, Control Method Therefor, and Storage Medium patent is expected to improve the accuracy of photometric measurements and enhance the dynamic range of the image sensor. The improved flicker detection capabilities would reduce the effects of flicker on image quality, leading to clearer and more accurate images. The enhanced dynamic range would allow the sensor to capture detail in both bright and dark areas of the scene, resulting in more visually appealing images.","business_analysis":"The Image Pickup Apparatus with Flicker Detection and Having Plurality of Unit Pixel Areas, Control Method Therefor, and Storage Medium patent presents a significant business opportunity in the image sensor market. The ability to accurately detect and correct flicker, while also enhancing dynamic range, addresses a key challenge in various industries that rely on high-quality imaging.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial, encompassing sectors such as automotive, medical imaging, industrial inspection, and consumer electronics. In the automotive industry, the improved flicker detection capabilities can enhance the performance of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), leading to safer and more reliable vehicles. In the medical imaging sector, the enhanced dynamic range can improve the accuracy of diagnostic images, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. In industrial inspection, the precise photometric measurements can improve quality control processes, reducing defects and improving efficiency. The consumer electronics market, including smartphones and digital cameras, can benefit from improved image quality and user experience.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology stem from its unique approach to flicker detection and correction. By using two pixels per unit area and synchronizing their accumulation periods, the system achieves a high level of accuracy in measuring light amount changing characteristics. This approach may offer advantages over existing flicker detection methods that rely on complex signal processing algorithms or external light sensors.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. Image sensor manufacturers can license the technology to incorporate it into their products. This could lead to increased sales and market share. Additionally, companies that develop imaging systems for specific applications, such as automotive or medical imaging, can use the technology to improve the performance of their systems and gain a competitive edge.\n\nThe business model for this technology could involve licensing the patent to image sensor manufacturers, developing and selling image sensors that incorporate the technology, or integrating the technology into imaging systems for specific applications. The choice of business model will depend on the resources and capabilities of the company commercializing the technology.\n\nFrom a strategic positioning perspective, the Image Pickup Apparatus with Flicker Detection and Having Plurality of Unit Pixel Areas, Control Method Therefor, and Storage Medium patent positions a company as a leader in image sensor technology. The ability to accurately detect and correct flicker, while also enhancing dynamic range, is a valuable asset in a market that demands high-quality imaging.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image pickup apparatus with flicker detection and having plurality of unit pixel areas, control method therefor, and storage medium","description":"An image pickup apparatus which is capable of calculating light amount changing characteristics of an object with high accuracy and enlarging a dynamic range during photometric measurement. An image p","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854178","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854178","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image pickup apparatus with flicker detection and having plurality of unit pixel areas, control method therefor, and storage medium\" (US-9854178). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854178","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854178","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854178","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T01:53:15.758Z"}