Depth Detection Correction for Image Height Dependency in Imaging Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Depth detection using pupil division pixels in imaging devices is affected by image height dependency due to curved lens shapes or lens mount shifts, leading to variations in detected depth maps, which existing autofocus methods fail to correct effectively.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with an imaging element capable of depth detection, an image processing unit, and a correction data generation unit that generates and applies correction data to reduce image height dependency in depth detection, using pupil division images to calculate and correct depth variations across different image heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth detection is performed using pupil division pixels, then distance information can be obtained, but image height dependency causes depth variations across the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing correction values that compensate for image height dependency. The system calculates correction values based on the relationship between image height and detected depth, then applies these corrections to normalize depth values across different image heights, transforming the depth detection parameter from height-dependent to height-independent
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical precision requirements with computational correction. Instead of relying on perfect optical alignment to eliminate image height dependency, the system uses image processing and correction algorithms to achieve uniform depth detection across the entire image area
2Measurement precision
If existing autofocus methods are used to correct phase difference, then offset shift is improved, but lens position shift variations in depth map cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the correction system adaptive to different lens positions. The correction values are calculated and stored for multiple lens positions, allowing the system to dynamically select and apply the appropriate correction based on the current lens position, thereby maintaining depth map uniformity across varying focus conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction values for different lens positions before actual depth detection. This allows the system to quickly apply the appropriate correction without real-time calculation, improving processing speed while maintaining accuracy across varying lens positions
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
The solution effectively reduces image height dependency in depth detection, ensuring accurate depth mapping by correcting variations in the depth map, allowing for precise distance measurement regardless of image height.
Implementation Method 1
a light reception unit including a photodiode is formed for each element and the light reception unit photoelectrically converts incident light to generate signal charges
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device (100) includes: an imaging element (112) including a pixel capable of detecting a depth; an image processing unit (120) configured to detect a depth using a signal obtained from the pixel and perform processing based on the depth; and a correction data generation unit (130) configured to generate, based on the signal, a correction map for correcting image height dependency of the depth in the image processing unit (120).