Image Pickup Apparatus Defective Pixel Information Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image pickup devices with pixels that pupil-divide light passing through a photographic optical system face challenges in managing defective pixels, leading to increased storage requirements and impaired ranging performance due to the need to correct both image and ranging data simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus that generates and corrects defective pixel information by distinguishing between first and second defect information, allowing for efficient storage and correction of defective pixels based on added and partial signals from photoelectric conversion portions, reducing redundant data storage and improving focusing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If defective pixels are extracted from all pixels of the image pickup device, then all defective pixels can be detected and corrected, but the amount of information on defective pixels is increased, requiring large storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into first image pickup pixels and second image pickup pixels based on their functional roles. Defect information is stored separately for each pixel type, allowing selective retrieval and processing. This segmentation reduces the overall amount of defect information that needs to be stored and processed at any given time, while still maintaining complete detection capability for all defective pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different defect correction methods and storage strategies to different pixel types. First image pickup pixels use one correction method while second image pickup pixels use another, allowing optimized storage and processing for each local region's specific requirements rather than uniform treatment of all pixels.
2Device complexity
If the same pixels are used for both image pickup and ranging, then device complexity is reduced, but defect correction becomes more difficult as both images need correction simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments defect correction into separate processes for first image pickup pixels and second image pickup pixels. By storing defect information separately for each pixel type and using dedicated correction methods, the system can correct defects in image data and ranging data independently, then combine the corrected results. This segmentation simplifies the correction process compared to simultaneous correction of both data types using the same pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary defect detection and information storage for both first and second image pickup pixels before actual image capture and ranging operations. By pre-identifying defective pixels and storing their defect information separately, the system can quickly retrieve and apply appropriate corrections during processing, avoiding the complexity of detecting and correcting defects in real-time for both functions simultaneously.
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 reduces the amount of information needed for defective pixels, minimizing storage capacity requirements and enhancing focusing performance by effectively isolating and correcting defective pixels within the image pickup device.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup device having pixels each provided with a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions with respect to one micro lens, such that light passing through a photographic optical system is pupil-divided
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus enabling reduction of information amount of defective pixels of an image pickup device having pixels pupil-dividing light through a photographic optical system. Each pixel is provided with PD portions for one micro lens for pupil-division of the light. First image data is generated by adding all signals from the PD portions, and second image data is generated by a signal output from one PD portion or by adding signals from part of PD portions. First defect information indicates defect information of the first image data, and second defect information is formed by excluding information redundant with the first defect information from defect information of the second image data. Defective pixels included in the second image data are designated based on the first defect information and the second defect information. The second image data is corrected by correcting the designated defective pixels.