Image Sensor Pixel Density Distribution for Digital Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital zoom technologies in imaging devices do not effectively improve the definition of collected images, as they primarily crop and enlarge images rather than adding pixel detail, leading to inefficiencies in image collection.
Innovation Solution
An imaging control method and apparatus that adjusts the pixel density distribution of an image sensor based on digital zoom parameters, concentrating more pixels in the actual imaging area to enhance image collection efficiency and definition, using a flexible image sensor with a deformation-controllable material portion that adjusts pixel density in response to external fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If digital zoom crops and enlarges the originally collected image, then the image size becomes larger on display screen, but the definition and detail of the formed image does not become clearer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pixel density distribution adjustable and changeable based on imaging requirements. The image sensor can dynamically reconfigure its pixel density in different areas according to the actual imaging area determined by zoom parameters, allowing the system to adapt between wide-angle and telephoto modes without fixed limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating non-uniform pixel density distribution across the image sensor. High pixel density is concentrated in the actual imaging area (center region for telephoto, expanded region for wide-angle) while peripheral areas have lower pixel density. This ensures high definition where needed while maintaining overall functionality
2Measurement precision
If optical zoom is used to enlarge the image subject, then more pixels are added after imaging and the formed image has higher definition, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical zoom system with an electronic/pixel-level solution. Instead of physically moving lens elements or sensor planes to achieve zoom, the system uses electronic reconfiguration of pixel density distribution on the sensor, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pixel density distribution from fixed to variable. By adjusting the digital zoom parameter, the system dynamically changes the pixel density distribution pattern, transforming the physical state of how pixels are arranged and utilized without changing the hardware structure
3Productivity
If the pixel density distribution of the image sensor is adjusted to concentrate more pixels in the actual imaging area, then the image collection efficiency and definition improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the image sensor to automatically reconfigure its own pixel density distribution based on the digital zoom parameter and actual imaging area. The sensor performs the adjustment autonomously without requiring external mechanical intervention or complex control mechanisms, making the system self-adapting
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 results in higher definition and richer detail in digital zoom images by increasing the average pixel density in the actual imaging area, improving image collection efficiency and meeting varied application demands.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation-controllable material portion, separately connected to the multiple image sensor pixels; where the deformation-controllable material portion is deformable under an effect of an external field, and correspondingly adjusts a density distribution of the multiple image sensor pixels by using the deformation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the subject application disclose various imaging control methods and apparatuses for a digital zoom image and various imaging devices. One of imaging control methods for a digital zoom image comprises: acquiring a digital zoom parameter; determining an actual imaging area of an image sensor according to the acquired digital zoom parameter; adjusting a pixel density distribution of the image sensor, to cause an average pixel density of the actual imaging area after adjustment to become greater than those of other areas of the image sensor; and acquiring, by using the actual imaging area with the adjusted average pixel density, an image of a scene to be photographed. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the subject application cause that as many as possible pixels of the image sensor gather at an actual imaging area corresponding to a digital zoom parameter to participate in image collection, thereby improving efficiency of image collection and the definition of a collected image.