Alternating Phase Detection and Image Pixels for Reduced Processing Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capture elements require increased processing load due to the need for separate sensors for phase difference detection and image generation, leading to inefficiencies in image processing and potential image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where phase difference detection pixels and image generation pixels are alternately arranged in specific directions, with a fixed ratio, to reduce processing load and improve image generation efficiency, allowing for simultaneous focus adjustment and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If phase difference detection pixels and image generation pixels are provided in one image sensor, then it eliminates the need for separate sensors, but it increases the processing load due to the need for data supplementation and correction processing
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is segmented into distinct regions: a first region containing phase difference detection pixels and a second region containing image generation pixels. This spatial segmentation allows independent processing of detection and generation data, reducing the need for complex correction operations while maintaining integrated sensor benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The phase difference detection pixels are extracted as a separate functional region within the image sensor, allowing their data to be processed independently for focus detection without requiring supplementation from image generation pixels, thereby reducing overall processing load
2Device complexity
If phase difference detection pixels are arranged irregularly, then the sensor structure is simplified, but the properties of neighboring image generation pixels become non-uniform requiring correction processing
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the image sensor are assigned different qualities/functions: the first region is optimized for phase difference detection with its specific pixel arrangement, while the second region is optimized for image generation. This local differentiation maintains uniformity within each region while allowing overall sensor design flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor employs an asymmetric regional division where phase difference detection pixels and image generation pixels are arranged in distinct zones rather than uniform patterns. This asymmetric arrangement allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without requiring correction processing for non-uniformity
3Productivity
If separate sensors are used for phase difference detection and image generation, then processing loads are reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor merges phase difference detection pixels and image generation pixels into a single integrated device with distinct functional regions. This combining reduces device complexity and cost compared to separate sensors while maintaining processing efficiency through regional data independence
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both phase difference detection and image generation capabilities in one device. The first region performs focus detection while the second region performs image capture, allowing the single sensor to replace multiple separate sensors without compromising processing efficiency
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 arrangement reduces the processing load related to image generation, enhances image quality by uniformizing the properties of image generation pixels, and maintains the aspect ratio of captured images, facilitating efficient data reading and correction processing.
Implementation Method 1
both pixels of phase difference detection (adjusted focus detection pixels (phase difference detection pixels) and captured image generation pixels (image generation pixels) are provided in one image sensor
Implementation Method 2
forms a pair of images by providing in an image sensor adjusted focus detection pixels which perform pupil division by blocking half of subject light received by a light reception element
Implementation Method 3
image generation pixels which generate signals for generating an image
Data Source
AI summary
In a second image sensor 200 which has a plurality of phase difference detection pixels which generate signals for performing adjusted focus decision by way of phase difference detection and a plurality of image generation pixels which generate signals for generating images, a first pixel group which is formed by arranging part of phase difference detection pixels of the plurality of phase difference detection pixels in a specific direction, and a second pixel group which is formed by arranging part of image generation pixels of the plurality of image generation pixels in the specific direction are alternately arranged in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the specific direction. Consequently, when an image capture element used to detect a phase difference and generate an image generates an image, it is possible to reduce a load of processing related to image generation.