Image Pickup Device Segmentation for Region-Specific Image Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle with improving imaging quality, particularly in capturing and processing images with varying conditions across different regions of a scene.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera system that allows for setting and adjusting image capture and processing conditions for each region of the imaging element, including exposure, focus, and image processing parameters, enabling tailored image capture and processing for specific subjects or areas within the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different image capture conditions are set for different regions, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the imaging element into multiple blocks, where each block can be independently controlled with different image capture conditions. This segmentation allows region-specific optimization without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving imaging quality while managing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different image capture conditions (exposure, gain, integration time) are applied to different blocks based on local scene requirements. This local quality approach ensures that each region is captured with optimal settings for its specific characteristics, improving overall imaging quality without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire device.
2Measurement precision
If region-specific image processing is performed, then image accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing is segmented by block, with each block processed independently using its specific capture conditions. This allows parallel processing of different regions, improving image accuracy through localized optimization while minimizing processing time through concurrent execution rather than sequential handling.
Solution Approach 2:
Image capture conditions are determined and set for each block before the actual image capture. This preliminary action allows the processing pipeline to be pre-configured for each region, reducing real-time processing complexity and time while maintaining high image accuracy through region-specific parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capture conditions are applied, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented to manage image capture conditions at the block level rather than requiring global control. Each block can be independently configured with appropriate conditions, improving adaptability to different scene regions while simplifying control complexity through decentralized, modular management of capture parameters.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An imaging device includes: an image capture unit having a first image capture region that performs image capture under first image capture conditions, and a second image capture region that performs image capture under second image capture conditions that are different from the first image capture conditions; and a generation unit that generates an image of a photographic subject captured in the first image capture region according to image data for a photographic subject captured in the second image capture region.