Image Pickup Apparatus Photoelectric Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup apparatuses with pixels having different photoelectric conversion characteristics on each side of the inflection point face challenges in correcting characteristic variations, leading to suboptimal image quality due to high memory requirements and computational complexity, as well as incomplete correction of inflection point shifts.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a characteristic variation correction section that includes a correction data storage, error correction, and characteristics transformation, which decides based on the inflection point and correction data whether to correct or transform imaged data to align with a standard photoelectric conversion characteristic, reducing memory needs and improving processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the photoelectric conversion characteristic of all pixels is stored and used for correction, then the correction precision is improved, but the memory requirement increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential correction parameters (inflection point positions and characteristic values at specific illumination intensities) from the complete photoelectric conversion characteristic curves, storing only these critical points rather than the entire characteristic data for all pixels. This selective extraction reduces memory requirements while maintaining sufficient correction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the continuous photoelectric conversion characteristic curves into discrete parameter sets representing key features (inflection points and characteristic values at predetermined illumination intensities). This parameter transformation enables efficient storage and processing while preserving the essential information needed for correction.
2Measurement precision
If the photoelectric conversion characteristic of all pixels is stored and used for correction, then the correction precision is improved, but the calculation time increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential correction parameters (inflection point positions and characteristic values at specific illumination intensities) from the complete photoelectric conversion characteristic curves, storing only these critical points rather than the entire characteristic data for all pixels. This selective extraction reduces memory requirements while maintaining sufficient correction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the continuous photoelectric conversion characteristic curves into discrete parameter sets representing key features (inflection points and characteristic values at predetermined illumination intensities). This parameter transformation enables efficient storage and processing while preserving the essential information needed for correction.
3Ease of operation
If the inflection point shift is corrected by parallel movement of the photoelectric conversion characteristic, then the correction simplicity is improved, but the correction completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photoelectric conversion characteristic correction into distinct regions: the linear characteristic area and the logarithmic characteristic area. Different correction methods are applied to each segment - parallel movement for the linear area and characteristic transformation for the logarithmic area - ensuring complete and accurate correction across the entire illumination intensity range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic correction strategies that adapt to the illumination intensity range and characteristic type. The correction method transitions from simple parallel movement at lower illumination intensities to characteristic transformation at higher illumination intensities, optimizing correction effectiveness across varying operating conditions.
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 effective correction of photoelectric conversion characteristic errors across pixels, enhancing image quality by optimizing data processing and reducing memory requirements, making it applicable to devices like digital cameras.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup device having a plurality of pixels which have a plurality of different photoelectric conversion characteristics different from each other on each side of an inflection point
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus having an image pickup device structured by a plurality of pixels having different photoelectric conversion characteristics different from each other on each side of an inflection point, correcting an error of the photoelectric conversion characteristics, thereby contributing to realization of high image quality will be provided. In the image pickup apparatus having an image pickup device structured by a plurality of pixels having different photoelectric conversion characteristics different from each other on each side of the inflection point, on the basis of the inflection point of the standard photoelectric conversion characteristic and correction data, whether or not to execute a correction using the correction data to the imaged data of the pixels and whether or not to execute characteristic transformation using the characteristic transformation section to the imaged data of the pixels are decided.