Dual Read-Out Path Image Sensor for Flicker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed continuous shooting makes it difficult to accurately detect flicker characteristics of light sources, leading to low accuracy in flicker correction for captured images.
Innovation Solution
An image capture apparatus with a controller that manages two read-out paths for an image sensor, allowing simultaneous charge reading for capturing images and flicker detection, even during high-speed continuous shooting, by utilizing a first storage circuit for user-captured images and a second path for information detection, overlapping reading periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous shooting speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the read-out paths into two independent channels: a first read-out path for capturing still images and a second read-out path for flicker detection. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other, enabling high-speed continuous shooting while maintaining accurate flicker detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions through its dual read-out path architecture. The same sensor can simultaneously capture still images for user viewing and extract flicker detection signals, making the system universal and eliminating the need for separate detection hardware that would slow down shooting speed.
2Measurement precision
If time for flicker detection is increased, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous flicker detection by utilizing the second read-out path that operates continuously during still image capture. Instead of performing flicker detection only between shots, the system continuously monitors flicker characteristics through the dedicated second read-out path, eliminating detection gaps and reducing the effective time loss while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 accurate flicker detection and correction during high-speed continuous shooting, reducing the influence of flickering light sources on captured images while maintaining optimal exposure and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pixels comprises a photoelectric conversion device
Data Source
AI summary
Each of pixels of an image sensor has a first read-out path for reading an electric charge that is once stored in a first storage circuit, and a second read-out path for reading an electric charge without going through the first storage circuit. An image capture apparatus controls operation of the image sensor so that: an electric charge obtained by the photoelectric conversion device related to capturing based on an instruction by a user is read via the first read-out path; an electric charge obtained by the photoelectric conversion device related to capturing for information detection is read via the second read-out path. The reading via the second read-out path is executed in a period overlapping a period for reading an electric charge via the first read-out path.