Focus Detecting Device Pixel Segmentation Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focus detecting devices for phase difference detection systems face challenges in efficiently detecting focusing states across multiple focus areas, particularly in wider imaging planes, due to limitations in charge accumulation and noise reduction in multi-point focus detection systems.
Innovation Solution
The focus detecting device incorporates a focus detecting optical system, photoelectric conversion element arrays with effective and ineffective pixel regions, and electric charge/voltage converting sections to perform focus detection across multiple focus areas by transferring and converting electric charges into voltage signals, allowing for improved detection accuracy and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple pairs of photoelectric conversion element arrays are arranged in parallel to detect wider area object images, then the detection area is expanded, but the charge transfer path complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric conversion element array is segmented into multiple effective pixel regions arranged in parallel, each corresponding to a specific focus area. This segmentation allows independent charge accumulation and transfer for each region, expanding the detection area while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary transfer path is introduced between the photoelectric conversion element arrays and the charge detection section. This intermediary path includes transfer paths that can selectively transfer charges from different effective pixel regions, acting as a mediator that manages the complexity of multiple parallel arrays while enabling wide area detection
2Area of stationary object
If multiple pairs of photoelectric conversion element arrays are arranged in parallel to detect wider area object images, then the detection area is expanded, but the noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the photoelectric conversion element array into distinct effective pixel regions with intervening spaces, each region processes charges independently. This segmentation isolates noise sources in different regions, preventing noise propagation across the entire array while maintaining expanded detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Intervening spaces are extracted and removed from between effective pixel regions. This extraction eliminates the noise-generating interfaces between adjacent pixel regions while preserving the functional separation needed for independent charge transfer, thereby reducing overall noise levels
3Productivity
If effective pixel regions are arranged closely to increase detection density, then the detection efficiency is improved, but the charge transfer accuracy deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The array is segmented into discrete effective pixel regions separated by intervening spaces. This segmentation maintains adequate spacing between regions to prevent charge transfer interference, ensuring accuracy while allowing high-density arrangement of functional regions for improved detection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Intervening spaces are selectively extracted and removed from between effective pixel regions. This removal eliminates potential interference paths for charge transfer while maintaining the functional independence of each region, thereby improving charge transfer accuracy without sacrificing detection efficiency
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 configuration enables reliable focus detection across multiple focus areas with reduced noise and stabilized electric charge amounts, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of multi-point focus detection in imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion element array which includes a plurality of pixels, subjecting each of the plural object images formed by the focus detecting optical system to photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A focus detecting device includes a focus detecting optical system which forms a plurality of object images. A photoelectric conversion element array includes a plurality of pixels and subjects each of the plural object images formed by the focus detecting optical system to photoelectric conversion. An electric charge transfer path transfers an electric charge obtained by the photoelectric conversion subjected by the photoelectric conversion element array. A focus detecting section performs focus detection with respect to a plurality of focus areas on the basis of a signal associated with an electric charge transferred by the electric charge transfer path. A plurality of effective pixel regions corresponding to the plural focus areas are arranged in the arrangement direction of the pixels of the photoelectric conversion element array, and ineffective pixel regions are arranged between the plural effective pixel regions.