Image Pickup Signal Correction via Pixel Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image pickup apparatuses with multiple photodiodes per pixel require extensive correction data, leading to increased memory needs for offset and gain corrections, which complicates focus detection and image generation.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a signal processing unit that corrects addition signals from shared micro lenses' photoelectric conversion portions, reducing the amount of correction data needed by performing pixel addition and gain corrections in Bayer units, thereby minimizing memory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photodiodes are provided for each pixel to enable focus detection and multi-functionality, then the image pickup apparatus can perform focus detection and generate shot images, but the amount of correction data increases significantly, requiring large memory capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the correction processing for multiple photodiodes by performing pixel addition before correction. Instead of correcting each photodiode separately (which would require separate correction data for each), the signals from multiple photodiodes are added together first, then a single correction is applied to the combined signal. This reduces the total amount of correction data needed while maintaining the multi-functionality of the pixel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the addition of signals from multiple photodiodes before the correction process. This preliminary summation operation consolidates the data, allowing subsequent correction to be applied more efficiently with reduced data requirements. The addition is performed in advance to prepare the signal for correction with minimized memory needs.
2Measurement precision
If correction is performed for each photodiode separately, then accurate correction can be achieved, but memory capacity requirements increase and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate correction operations into a single correction operation by first adding the signals from multiple photodiodes. This merging approach maintains correction accuracy for the combined signal while significantly reducing processing complexity and memory requirements compared to performing separate corrections for each photodiode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal correction process that can handle multiple photodiodes through a single correction operation applied to the summed signal. This multi-functional correction approach eliminates the need for separate correction paths for each photodiode, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to accurately correct signals from multiple sources.
3Measurement precision
If separate correction data is stored for each photodiode, then precise correction is possible, but memory capacity is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple correction data requirements into a single correction data set by performing signal addition before correction. Instead of storing and applying separate correction data for each photodiode (which would multiply the memory requirements), the patent stores a single correction data set that is applied to the combined signal, dramatically reducing memory capacity needs while maintaining correction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary signal addition before correction, which consolidates the data requirements. This preliminary action allows a single correction data set to be used for all photodiodes, eliminating the need for multiple separate correction data sets and significantly reducing the total memory capacity required while preserving precision through the maintained signal integrity.
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 allows for accurate generation of image pickup and focus detection signals with a reduced amount of correction data, optimizing memory usage and simplifying the correction process.
Implementation Method 1
a first photoelectric conversion portion and a second photoelectric conversion portion that are included in each of the pixels and share a corresponding one of the micro lenses
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element including a plurality of pixels corresponding to a plurality of respective micro lenses and the first photoelectric conversion portion and the second photoelectric conversion portion that are included in each of the pixels and share a corresponding one of the micro lenses, and a signal processing unit configured to correct an addition signal of outputs from the first photoelectric conversion portion and the second photoelectric conversion portion included in each of the pixels and a first signal generated from a plurality of signals of the first photoelectric conversion portions corresponding to the micro lenses, and the signal processing unit corrects the addition signal for each of the pixels and corrects the first signal for the first photoelectric conversion portions.