Image Pickup Apparatus Pixel Reduction for Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image pickup devices with divided pixels for phase difference detection face challenges in reducing the number of pixels to read out and increasing power consumption, while maintaining phase difference detection accuracy, especially in modes where phase difference information is not required.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus and method that arranges pixels with different spectral characteristics in a specific pattern, using a pixel reducing circuit to generate processed signals by combining adjoining divided pixels, and controlling the reduction process based on whether phase difference detection is prioritized, ensuring processed pixels are not arranged at regular intervals in certain directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If one pixel is divided into a plurality of divided pixels for phase difference detection, then phase difference detection capability is improved, but the number of pixels increases causing readout time and power consumption to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into different types of pixels (first type and second type) with different spectral characteristics, where each pixel is further divided into multiple divided pixels. This segmentation allows selective reading of only necessary pixels for phase difference detection, reducing overall readout time while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The image pickup apparatus dynamically switches between different operating modes: a first mode for phase difference detection where divided pixels are read separately, and a second mode for normal imaging where divided pixels are added together. This dynamic adaptation optimizes readout time based on the current operational requirement.
2Measurement precision
If one pixel is divided into a plurality of divided pixels for phase difference detection, then phase difference detection capability is improved, but the number of pixels increases causing power consumption to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption by switching between operational modes. In the first mode for phase difference detection, only necessary divided pixels are read out, reducing power consumption compared to reading all pixels. In the second mode, divided pixels are combined and read as normal pixels, further optimizing power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array have different spectral characteristics (first type and second type pixels), allowing localized optimization where phase difference detection is performed only where needed, rather than requiring all pixels to be actively read out, thus reducing overall power consumption.
3Loss of time
If divided pixel signals are added to read out as normal pixel signal in still image shooting, then readout time is reduced, but phase difference information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically switches between two operational modes based on the shooting scenario. In the first mode, divided pixels are read separately to preserve phase difference information for autofocus. In the second mode (for still image shooting), divided pixels are added together and read as normal pixels, reducing readout time when phase difference information is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array serves multiple functions: it can perform both phase difference detection and normal imaging. By configuring pixels with different spectral characteristics and enabling flexible reading modes, the same hardware structure universally supports both autofocus functionality and efficient still image capture without requiring separate dedicated pixel arrays.
4Manufacturing precision
If pixels with different spectral characteristics are arranged in specific patterns, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into different types of pixels (first type and second type) with different spectral characteristics arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation improves image quality by capturing different spectral information at different locations, while the regular repeating pattern keeps the complexity manageable through systematic design.
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 number of pixels to read out, improves phase difference detection accuracy, and enhances image quality by optimizing pixel arrangement and processing, while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
one pixel is divided into a plurality of divided pixels for phase difference detection... providing a plurality of photodiodes (PDs) for one microlens
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes: a pixel portion where pixels of a plurality of colors are arranged in a first direction and a second direction as repetition of a basic array, and an arbitrary pixel is divided into a plurality of divided pixels in the first direction; a mixing portion configured to generate processed pixel signals from image data generated by all divided pixels existing in the pixel portion by performing pixel reduction of a plurality of divided pixel signals related to a same color and a same division position; and a managing/instructing portion configured to, in a case of prioritizing phase difference detection, control the pixel reduction by the mixing portion so that the processed pixel signals are not arranged at regular intervals in the second direction.