Focus Detection Device Alternating Pupil Division Pixel Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focus detection devices face challenges in efficiently performing phase difference focus detection during live-view displays, particularly in managing and processing pixel signals to balance focus detection accuracy with the speed and quality of live-view image display.
Innovation Solution
A focus detection device and method that utilize an imaging unit with light-receiving portions divided into distinct pupil division directions, allowing for alternating operations to generate and read pixel signals, enabling simultaneous focus detection and live-view image processing by controlling the imaging unit to produce focus detection and display pixel signals through different optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel signals are processed for focus detection during live-view display, then focus detection accuracy is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is divided into multiple pixel portions, each with light-receiving portions arranged in different pupil division directions. This segmentation allows different pixel portions to be used for different operations (focus detection vs. live-view display) simultaneously, resolving the time conflict between focus detection and live-view display processing
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit alternates operations between different pixel portions in a periodic manner, switching between generating focus detection pixel signals and display pixel signals. This periodic alternation enables both functions to be performed in an interleaved fashion, improving focus detection accuracy without significantly increasing overall processing time
2Adaptability or versatility
If pixel signals are processed for both focus detection and live-view display, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is segmented into multiple pixel portions with different light-receiving portion arrangements. This physical segmentation simplifies the processing complexity by allowing independent handling of different pixel portions for different functions, rather than requiring complex processing of a single unified pixel signal stream
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - both focus detection and live-view display - by utilizing different pixel portions for each function. This multi-functionality approach improves versatility while managing complexity through functional separation at the pixel portion level
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 enhances focus detection accuracy while maintaining high-speed live-view display performance by optimizing pixel signal processing and read times, thereby improving the overall focus detection and image display capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit including one or more pixel portions in which a plurality of light-receiving portions are arranged to perform photoelectric conversion on each light flux that passes through an exit pupil region
Data Source
AI summary
A focus detection device includes an imaging unit, an image processor, a focus detection circuit, and a control circuit. The imaging unit includes a pixel portion including light-receiving portions. The light-receiving portions are divided into first and second pupil division directions. The image processor performs processing to display an image based on a display pixel signal. The focus detection circuit performs processing for focus detection based on a focus detection pixel signal. The control circuit controls the imaging unit to generate the focus detection pixel signal regarding the first pupil division direction in a first operation, and controls the imaging unit to generate the display pixel signal and the focus detection pixel signal regarding the second pupil division direction in a second operation.