Image Pickup Element Parallel AF and Live View Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses face challenges in reducing data transfer time and maintaining image quality due to the need for longer charge transfer times and increased power consumption, as well as the deterioration of image quality caused by dedicating pixels for focus signal detection in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-89105.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup element with a layered structure comprising a first chip for pixel arrays and a second chip for pixel drive units and evaluation value detection, allowing for parallel generation of image signals for display and evaluation values, thereby reducing processing time and load, and optimizing pixel usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image signals are read out from the image pickup element on a pixel basis in cyclic readout modes, then photometry and focus detection can be performed, but data transfer time increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple independent regions, each capable of autonomous operation for different functions (image pickup, focus detection, photometry). This allows parallel processing where evaluation pixels can independently generate focus and photometry data without requiring full pixel-by-pixel readout, thereby reducing data transfer time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and integrates evaluation pixel functionality directly within the image pickup element structure. By incorporating focus detection and photometry capabilities into the sensor itself rather than requiring separate readout processes, the system eliminates the need to transfer all pixel data for these functions, significantly reducing data transfer time and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If image signals are read out from the image pickup element on a pixel basis in cyclic readout modes, then photometry and focus detection can be performed, but processing load of the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the image pickup element autonomously performs focus detection and photometry measurements using its integrated evaluation pixels. The evaluation pixels independently generate evaluation data without requiring external controller intervention for data collection, thereby reducing the controller's processing load while maintaining accurate photometry and focus detection.
3Measurement precision
If separate focus signal detection pixels are used, then focus detection can be performed, but the area allotted for pixels for the image-pickup signal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the same pixel array serves dual purposes: image pickup and focus detection/photometry. The evaluation pixels are integrated within the existing pixel structure, allowing the sensor to perform multiple functions simultaneously without requiring separate dedicated pixels, thereby maintaining full utilization of the sensor area for image pickup while enabling focus detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges focus detection and photometry functions directly into the image pickup element structure. By combining these evaluation functions with the image pickup pixels in an integrated manner, the system eliminates the need for separate focus signal detection pixels, maximizing the area available for image pickup while maintaining focus detection capability.
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
The solution enables faster data transfer, reduced power consumption, and improved image quality by separating pixel drive units and evaluation value detection, allowing simultaneous live view and AF evaluation image pickup with reduced time lag and increased precision.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion unit that converts an optical image focused thereon into an electrical signal to output image data
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup element generates an AF evaluation value to be used for image-pickup in accordance with an image signal corresponding to a voltage signal obtained from a first pixel group among a plurality of pixels. The image pickup element further outputs an image signal corresponding to a voltage signal obtained from a second pixel group among the plurality of pixels as a live-view display signal for image display. In accordance with the AF evaluation value, a control unit controls a mechanical optical unit having a focus lens and performs live-view display on an image display unit in accordance with the live-view display signal.