Camera Shake Correction Control Using Phase Difference Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autofocus methods in digital cameras face challenges in achieving rapid and accurate focus while allowing camera shake correction, as phase difference methods require special mechanisms, making them bulky, and contrast methods are slow due to the need for image capture and contrast detection.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus and method that controls camera shake correction based on phase difference pixel values to adjust the relative positional relationship between the image sensor and optical system, enabling rapid and accurate autofocus while minimizing errors caused by camera shake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a phase difference method is used for rapid autofocus, then the focus state can be rapidly set to an in-focus state, but special mechanisms such as dedicated sensors and light splitting mechanisms are required, making the camera bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase difference detection function into the standard image sensor by designating specific pixels as phase difference pixels. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors and light splitting mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining rapid autofocus capability
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: standard imaging pixels for capturing images and phase difference pixels for detecting phase difference information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for special dedicated sensors, simplifying the overall device structure
2Reliability
If camera shake correction is applied to correct image blur, then image quality can be improved, but errors are produced in phase difference information due to fluctuations in object light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor into different functional areas: a first area containing phase difference pixels for autofocus detection and a second area for other imaging purposes. This segmentation allows phase difference information to be obtained from a region less affected by camera shake correction, maintaining measurement precision while still enabling image stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor are assigned different qualities and functions. The phase difference pixels in the first area are optimized for detecting phase difference information with minimal interference from camera shake, while other areas handle standard imaging and stabilization tasks
3Measurement precision
If the entire image area is used for phase difference detection, then comprehensive focus information can be obtained, but camera shake correction becomes ineffective due to light distribution fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensor into a first area with phase difference pixels for focus detection and a second area for standard imaging and shake correction reference. This segmentation enables both comprehensive focus information gathering and effective camera shake correction to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is provided a processing apparatus or a program causing a computer to execute as a processing apparatus including a camera shake correction control unit configured to, based on a focus area in which pixel values of phase difference pixels is used in focus control among areas of an image output by an image sensor, control camera shake correction performed by changing a relative positional relationship in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis in an optical system between the image sensor that includes as some of pixels, phase difference pixels that are pixels for obtaining phase difference information to be used in focus control based on a phase difference method, and the optical system, which is for forming an image on the image sensor from light from an object.