Imaging Device Focus Detection Pixel Output Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices with combined imaging and focus detection pixels suffer from poor image quality due to simple averaging methods, leading to color artifacts and pattern loss when edge or fine line patterns are superimposed over focus detection pixels.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a two-dimensional array of imaging pixels and focus detection pixels, where a recognizing circuit identifies pixel output changes perpendicular to the focus detection pixel direction, and a determining circuit determines the focus detection pixel output through arithmetic operations based on recognized patterns and outputs from surrounding imaging pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple averaging of imaging pixel outputs is used to obtain virtual image at focus detection pixel, then the determination process is simple and fast, but color artifacts and pattern loss occur when edge or fine line patterns are superimposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the arithmetic operation from simple averaging to weighted averaging based on image pattern recognition. The determining circuit selects different arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) based on the recognized image pattern (edge, fine line, or other), thereby adapting the calculation method to the specific imaging conditions and avoiding color artifacts and pattern loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the recognizing circuit continuously monitors the image pattern based on imaging pixel outputs and feeds this information back to the determining circuit. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust the arithmetic operation dynamically according to the actual image content, ensuring accurate virtual image determination while maintaining simplicity in normal conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If arithmetic operation method is selected based on recognized image pattern, then color artifacts and pattern loss are prevented, but the determination process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple arithmetic operations and their corresponding conditions in the determining circuit. Instead of creating a complex real-time decision system, the circuit is pre-programmed with specific arithmetic operations for specific image patterns (edge detection, fine line detection, etc.). This preliminary preparation simplifies the real-time processing while maintaining high image quality accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the determining circuit by selecting from pre-defined arithmetic operations rather than computing operations dynamically. This parameter selection approach reduces the computational complexity while maintaining the ability to handle various image patterns accurately, thus balancing image quality with processing simplicity.
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 accurately estimates the virtual imaging pixel output at focus detection pixels, preventing color artifacts and pattern loss, thereby maintaining high image quality even when edge or fine line patterns are present.
Implementation Method 1
each including a micro-lens and a photoelectric conversion unit
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an image sensor equipped with imaging pixels disposed in a two-dimensional array and focus detection pixels disposed along a specific direction over part of the array of the imaging pixels. The imaging device categorizes an image pattern indicating a pixel output change along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the focus detection pixels are disposed based upon the outputs from the imaging pixels present around each focus detection pixel. Then, it determines an image output at the focus detection pixel based upon the output from the focus detection pixel and the outputs from the imaging pixels present around the focus detection pixel through an arithmetic operation method corresponding to the categorized image pattern.