Dual Pixel Group Image Sensor for Flicker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting flicker in digital cameras and similar devices are ineffective when the frame rate exceeds the frequency of the power supply, leading to exposure and color nonuniformity, and result in high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a dual pixel group image sensor that can be actuated under different shooting conditions, allowing for flicker detection and reduction through independent control of the first and second pixel groups, and adjusting charge accumulation periods or applying image corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the frame rate is increased to improve image smoothness and reduce delay in live view display, then image quality and responsiveness are improved, but flicker cannot be reduced because the charge accumulation period cannot be set to N/100 seconds or N/120 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two independent pixel groups (first and second pixel groups) that can be actuated separately with different shooting conditions. This segmentation allows one pixel group to capture images at high frame rates for smooth display while the other pixel group captures images at flicker-synchronized frame rates for flicker detection and reduction, thereby resolving the contradiction between high frame rate and flicker reduction.
2Measurement precision
If conventional flicker detection methods are used by switching to shooting conditions suitable for flicker detection, then flicker can be detected, but it is not possible to detect flicker during moving image shooting or live view display
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously performs both high-frame-rate imaging for live view/moving image display and flicker-synchronized imaging for flicker detection simultaneously using the two pixel groups. This continuous dual operation eliminates the need to switch between normal shooting conditions and flicker detection conditions, enabling flicker detection to occur continuously during moving image shooting and live view display without interruption.
3Speed
If the frame rate is set faster than the flicker frequency to improve image smoothness, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases and flicker detection becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two independent pixel groups (first and second pixel groups) that can be actuated separately with different shooting conditions. This segmentation allows one pixel group to capture images at high frame rates for smooth display while the other pixel group captures images at flicker-synchronized frame rates for flicker detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between high frame rate and flicker reduction.
4Measurement precision
If dual pixel group operation is used for flicker detection, then flicker detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both pixel groups are integrated into a single image sensor device and share common readout circuitry and processing pipelines. The dual pixel group operation serves multiple functions: the first pixel group provides high-frame-rate imaging for smooth display, while the second pixel group provides flicker-synchronized imaging for flicker detection. This multi-functionality approach enables flicker detection capability without requiring a completely separate detection device, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 effective flicker detection and reduction in images, even at high frame rates, while minimizing power consumption by optimizing shooting conditions and image processing.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor having a plurality of pixels which are divided into a plurality of pixel groups including a first pixel group and a second pixel group
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus comprises an image sensor including a first pixel group and a second pixel group, and capable of actuating the pixel groups with the same or different shooting conditions; a controller that switches between a first actuation control of actuating the first and second pixel groups with the same shooting conditions and a second actuation control of actuating the first and second pixel groups with different shooting conditions; a detector that detects flicker based on a signal read out from the image sensor; and a determination unit that determines whether or not the detector can detect flicker based on a signal read out from the image sensor by the second actuation control. If the determination unit determines affirmative, the controller controls to actuate the second pixel group with the shooting conditions for flicker detection in the second actuation control.