Imaging element, imaging device, imaging method, and imaging program

The dual-pixel system with separate readout periods and signal paths for video and still images addresses blackout issues in imaging devices, enabling simultaneous live view and still image capture without interruptions.

WO2026155037A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-07-23NIKON CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
NIKON CORP
Filing Date
2026-01-07
Publication Date
2026-07-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing imaging devices face issues with blackouts during exposure preparation processes, particularly in continuous shooting modes, due to the limitations in readout periods and signal processing of image data.

Method used

The imaging device employs a dual-pixel system with first and second pixels, where first pixels generate image data for video and second pixels for still images, utilizing different readout periods and signal processing paths to prevent blackouts by overlapping readout processes and using separate signal lines for each pixel type.

Benefits of technology

This approach effectively prevents blackouts by allowing simultaneous readout and display of live view images while capturing still images, enhancing the imaging device's performance in continuous shooting scenarios.

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Abstract

An imaging element 1 comprises a plurality of pixels that are provided with a photoelectric conversion part which performs photoelectric conversion to generate electric charge from light, a first storage part which stores the electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion part, a first transfer part which transfers, every prescribed period, the electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion part to the first storage part, a second storage part which stores the electric charge stored in the first storage part, and a second transfer part which transfers, to the second storage part, the electric charge stored in the first storage part. The plurality of pixels include a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels, the number of which is greater than that of the first pixels. The imaging element 1 also comprises a control part that reads, from the plurality of first pixels in a first read period shorter than the prescribed period, a signal in accordance with the electric charge stored in the second storage part, and that reads, from the plurality of second pixels in a second read period longer than the prescribed period, a signal in accordance with the electric charge stored in the second storage part.
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