Flicker detection for imaging devices with high frame rates

A method of detecting flicker with an electronic imaging device wherein the electronic imaging device comprises an image pixel array containing rows of image pixels, first, second, and third image data buffers, and a processor, the method comprising:

• capturing first, second, and third images with the image pixel array;
• storing the first image in the first image buffer;
• storing the second image in the second image buffer;
• with the processor, obtaining a first energy difference value from the first and second images;
• storing the third image in the second image buffer by overwriting the second image in the second image buffer with the third image;
• with the processor, obtaining a second energy difference value from the first and third images;
• storing the third image in the third image buffer;
• with the image pixel array, capturing a fourth image;
• storing the fourth image in the second image buffer by overwriting the third image in the second image buffer with the fourth image;
• and
• with the processor, obtaining a third energy difference value from the third and fourth images.

A method of detecting flicker with an electronic imaging device wherein the electronic imaging device comprises an image pixel array, and a processor, the method comprising:

• with the image pixel array, capturing a first plurality of images;
• with the processor, computing a first pattern of energy difference values based on the first plurality of images;
• and
• with the processor, comparing the computed first pattern of energy difference values with an expected pattern of energy difference values to obtain a flicker-detection probability.