Dual Image Sensor System for Focusing and Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to produce high-quality images by effectively combining mono-color and color information, particularly in varying light conditions, which affects the accuracy and clarity of captured images.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual-image sensor system, where a mono-color image sensor captures brightness information and a color image sensor captures color information on red, green, and blue light, with phase difference pixels and varying exposure settings to enhance dynamic range and focusing capabilities, allowing for the synthesis of high-quality images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used to capture images, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality and dynamic range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the image capture function into separate sensors: a first image sensor for capturing brightness information and a second image sensor for capturing color information. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall image quality while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines images from multiple sensors (brightness image and color image) through image synthesis to produce final high-quality output images. This merging process integrates the advantages of both sensor types, achieving superior image quality that neither sensor could achieve alone.
2Measurement precision
If phase difference pixels are used for focusing, then focusing accuracy is improved, but the light receiving area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pixel configurations to different regions: phase difference pixels are strategically placed in specific areas to provide focusing information, while other pixels maintain full light-receiving capability for image capture. This local differentiation optimizes both focusing accuracy and light collection efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple image sensors with different exposure settings are used, then dynamic range is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors with different exposure settings (e.g., long exposure and short exposure modes) to capture images under varying lighting conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize dynamic range by selecting appropriate exposure parameters based on scene brightness, improving image quality without requiring overly complex sensor hardware.
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 approach enables the production of high-quality images by effectively combining brightness and color information, improving focusing accuracy and dynamic range, resulting in enhanced image clarity and quality across different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first image sensor for detecting light
Implementation Method 2
a second image sensor for detecting light, wherein the second image sensor is different from the first image sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for obtaining an image by an electronic device. A first image for an object is obtained from a first image sensor of the electronic device. Information regarding a focusing state is determined with respect to the object based on the first image. The second image sensor of the electronic device is focused on the object based on the information regarding the focusing state. A second image for the object is obtained through the second image sensor.