Image-Capturing Device Pixel Segmentation for Simultaneous Live View and Focus Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses face issues when simultaneously displaying live view and performing focus detection, as the outputs from imaging pixels and focus detection pixels can mix, leading to deteriorated image quality and potential failure in focus detection.
Innovation Solution
An image-capturing device with a combination of first and second pixels, where an adder selectively adds outputs from specific types of pixels to prevent mixing, ensuring that outputs from different types of pixels are not combined, and the second pixels are disposed based on the positional relationship of the first pixels to maintain image quality and enable focus detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If outputs from imaging pixels and focus detection pixels are added simultaneously, then processing speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to mixing of different pixel types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel array into distinct groups: imaging pixels (first pixels) and focus detection pixels (second pixels). The adder unit processes outputs from these different pixel types separately, preventing mixing of data while enabling parallel processing. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple pixel outputs without compromising image quality.
2Device complexity
If outputs from different types of pixels are mixed during addition, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate processing channels for imaging pixels and focus detection pixels through dedicated adder units. This segmentation ensures that focus detection precision is maintained by preventing mixing of different pixel type outputs, while the overall device complexity remains manageable through systematic organization of the pixel array and processing units.
3Area of stationary object
If imaging pixels and focus detection pixels are disposed in admixture, then area utilization is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential output mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves reliable simultaneous processing by segmenting the pixel array into imaging pixels and focus detection pixels arranged in specific patterns (e.g., alternating or grouped). This segmentation, combined with corresponding segmentation of the adder processing units, ensures that outputs from different pixel types are processed separately, maintaining reliability while achieving high area utilization through mixed disposition.
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 solution allows for simultaneous live view display and focus detection without compromising image quality, enhancing the speed and accuracy of focus adjustment in imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor having two-dimensionally arrayed imaging pixels a portion of which is substituted by one or more focus detection pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An image-capturing device includes: a plurality of first pixels disposed along a first direction; a plurality of second pixels different from the first pixels disposed along the first direction in admixture with the plurality of first pixels; and an adder that adds a plurality of outputs provided by a plurality of first selected pixels selected from the plurality of first pixels to each other and a plurality of outputs provided by a plurality of second selected pixels selected from the plurality of second pixels to each other in such a manner that outputs provided by the first pixels and outputs provided by the second pixels are not added one to another. Disposition of the plurality of second pixels conforms to positional relationship of the plurality of first selected pixels in the plurality of first pixels.