Dual Image Sensor Live View Display for Continuous Shooting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing apparatuses face challenges in displaying live view images with minimal time lag during continuous shooting of still images, as they require mechanisms that divide optical paths or prohibit live view image display, leading to increased time lag and difficulties in subject detection.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a first image sensor for capturing still images and a second image sensor for live view image processing, where the optical element directs the subject image to either sensor based on shooting mode, allowing for reduced pixel processing and simultaneous subject detection with minimal time lag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable mirror mechanism is used to divide optical paths for still image and live view image, then both functions can be provided, but the live view image cannot be displayed when the mirror is up during continuous shooting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensor into two distinct units: a first image sensor dedicated to still image capture and a second image sensor dedicated to live view image capture. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate independently without interference, resolving the contradiction by enabling simultaneous operation during continuous shooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that divides the incoming light from the lens into two separate optical paths, directing one path to the first image sensor and the other to the second image sensor. This intermediary enables both sensors to receive light simultaneously without requiring mechanical mirror movement.
2Productivity
If the live view image is displayed intermittently during continuous shooting, then the buffer memory can handle the data, but it is difficult to view the image being displayed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the image sensor into two independent units, the patent enables continuous display of live view images during continuous shooting. The second image sensor continuously captures live view images that can be displayed without interruption, while the first image sensor handles still image capture, eliminating the need for intermittent display.
3Productivity
If the output from the image sensor is accumulated in buffer memory and then resized for live view image display, then live view image can be displayed, but the display time lag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing workflow by dedicating the second image sensor specifically to live view image capture. This sensor outputs images at a lower resolution suitable for display, eliminating the need for buffer memory accumulation and resizing operations. The result is minimal processing time and reduced display time lag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the imaging system specifically for live view display purposes. The second image sensor produces a lower-resolution version of the scene that is optimized for real-time display, bypassing the need to process and resize full-resolution still image data.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single-lens reflex camera is provided with an image sensor for capturing still images and an image sensor for detecting a subject, then subject detection function can be added, but subjects cannot be detected in the case where continuous shooting is carried out with the mirror up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into two independent sensor units, allowing the second image sensor to continuously provide data for subject detection during continuous shooting. Since the second sensor operates independently without requiring mirror movement, subject detection can proceed continuously without interruption.
5Manufacturing precision
If a lengthy development process is required for image signals obtained by capturing still images, then high-quality still images can be produced, but detecting a subject from an image signal will result in increased time lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing workload by dedicating the first image sensor to still image capture with full processing for high quality output, while the second image sensor handles live view and subject detection with minimal processing. This segmentation allows subject detection to use quickly processed live view data without waiting for the lengthy still image development process.
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
Enables continuous display of live view images with reduced time lag and rapid subject detection during still image shooting, improving user experience by maintaining live view image display and detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first image sensor, in which a plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally, configured to photo-electrically convert a subject image and output an image signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical element configured to direct the subject image to one of the first image sensor and the second image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus comprises: a first image sensor configured to photo-electrically convert a subject image and output an image signal; a first image processing unit configured to develop a first image signal generated by the first image sensor; a second image processing unit configured to reduce a number of pixels in the first image signal and develop the image signal whose pixels have been reduced as a second image signal; a recording unit configured to record an image signal; and a display unit having a lower pixel count than the pixel count of the first image sensor, wherein in the case where an instruction to capture a still image has been made, the recording unit records the image signal developed by the first image processing unit and the display unit displays the image signal developed by the second image processing unit.