Image Sensor Chromatic Aberration Correction for Thinning Readout Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensing apparatuses face image quality degradation due to magnification chromatic aberration correction when image data is read out in thinning or pixel addition modes, as these methods do not consider the differences in pixel arrangements, leading to incorrect correction and deteriorated image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image sensing apparatus with a driving unit that switches between full pixel readout, thinning readout, and pixel addition modes, utilizing a correction coefficient calculation unit to obtain specific chromatic aberration correction coefficients for each mode, ensuring corrections are based on accurate pixel positions and centers of gravity, thereby preventing image quality degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnification chromatic aberration correction is carried out on image data read out in thinning readout mode without considering pixel arrangement differences, then chromatic aberration is corrected, but image quality deteriorates due to incorrect correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different correction coefficient calculation methods for different readout modes. Specifically, it calculates correction coefficients based on the actual pixel arrangement characteristics of each mode (full pixel readout, thinning readout, pixel addition mode), ensuring that the correction is locally adapted to the specific pixel distribution pattern being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the correction method adaptive to the readout mode being used. The system dynamically switches between different correction coefficient calculation approaches depending on whether full pixel readout, thinning readout, or pixel addition mode is active, allowing the correction algorithm to respond to changing operational conditions.
2Reliability
If magnification chromatic aberration correction is carried out on image data read out in pixel addition mode without considering center of gravity shifts, then chromatic aberration is corrected, but image quality deteriorates due to correction based on incorrect positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this by calculating correction coefficients that are specific to pixel addition mode, taking into account the center of gravity shifts that occur when multiple pixels are combined. The correction method is locally optimized for the characteristics of pixel addition, ensuring accurate correction despite the position shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the center of gravity positions for pixel addition mode and incorporating these into the correction coefficient calculation. This preparatory step ensures that when pixel addition is performed, the correction is already adjusted for the expected position shifts, preventing image quality degradation.
3Device complexity
If a single magnification chromatic aberration correction method is used for all readout modes, then the correction method is simple, but image quality deteriorates due to inability to account for mode-specific pixel arrangement differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correction method into distinct approaches for different readout modes. It divides the correction process into full pixel readout correction, thinning readout correction, and pixel addition mode correction, with each segment having its own optimized coefficient calculation method tailored to the specific characteristics of that mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by creating a multi-functional correction system that can handle multiple readout modes through a unified control architecture. The correction apparatus is designed to automatically select and apply the appropriate correction method based on the active readout mode, providing universal applicability across different operational scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing apparatus comprises an image sensor, a driving unit that drives the image sensor so as to output electrical signals through multiple readout modes including at least a full pixel readout mode and a thinning readout mode, an acquisition unit that acquires lens magnification chromatic aberration correction information, a correction coefficient calculation unit that obtains a coefficient for a first magnification chromatic aberration correction method during full pixel readout and a coefficient for a second magnification chromatic aberration correction method during thinning readout, and a digital signal processor that corrects the electrical signals using the obtained coefficients. In the second magnification chromatic aberration correction method, the thinned and read-out electrical signals are corrected based on positions in the image sensor of pixels corresponding to the electrical signals.