Image Pickup Apparatus Dual Compression Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses face challenges in transmitting large amounts of data at high speeds without increasing bandwidth, leading to signal deterioration due to compression noise or distortion, especially when compressing signals from functional pixels.
Innovation Solution
The imaging element employs a dual compression approach, where a first compression unit processes imaging signals and a second compression unit, performing a different process on signals for different uses, such as focus detection or dark current detection, to prevent signal deterioration while allowing for high data transmission without bandwidth increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same compression process is applied to both imaging signals and functional pixel signals, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to compression noise and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression process into two distinct paths: one for imaging signals and another for functional pixel signals. The imaging signal compression unit applies compression to imaging signals, while the functional pixel signal processing unit handles functional signals differently. This segmentation allows each signal type to be processed according to its specific requirements, preventing functional signals from suffering compression-induced deterioration while still achieving efficient imaging data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different signal types. Imaging signals undergo compression optimized for image data, while functional pixel signals receive processing tailored to their specific用途 (such as phase difference detection or dark current detection). This local quality approach ensures that each signal type maintains its required quality level for its specific application, rather than applying a uniform compression process to all signals.
2Quantity of substance
If bandwidth of transmission path is increased to transmit large amounts of data, then data transmission capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data representation by applying compression algorithms to imaging signals, thereby reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted. By modifying the data parameters through compression, the system achieves efficient transmission of large amounts of imaging data without requiring increased transmission path bandwidth, thus avoiding the cost increase associated with higher bandwidth infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If compression process is applied to functional pixel signals, then data amount is reduced, but signal accuracy deteriorates due to noise and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing pipeline to prevent compression from being applied to functional pixel signals. By separating the imaging signal path from the functional pixel signal path, the system ensures that functional signals (used for focus detection, dark current detection, etc.) are not subjected to compression that would introduce noise and distortion, thereby maintaining their measurement precision and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing unit specifically for functional pixel signals that handles these signals differently from the imaging compression unit. This intermediary processing path acts as a mediator that protects functional signals from the harmful effects of compression while still allowing efficient processing and transmission of the overall data stream.
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 enables the transmission of large data amounts without bandwidth increase, maintaining signal quality by applying distinct compression processes to different signal types, thereby reducing noise and distortion.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion unit performing photoelectric conversion of incident light to generate an imaging signal
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes a pixel unit configured to receive incident light and include a photoelectric conversion unit performing photoelectric conversion. The imaging element performs a compression process on a first signal which is an imaging signal output from the pixel unit. The imaging element performs a different process from the compression process on a second signal with a different use from the first signal output from the pixel unit so that the second signal does not deteriorate.