Image Sensor Pixel Sensitivity Segmentation for Auto-Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices face challenges in performing auto-focus (AF) due to saturation pixels in high-illumination environments and insufficient light in low-illumination environments, leading to suboptimal image quality and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an image sensor comprising a first pixel subset and a second pixel subset of varying sensitivity, and a processor that processes image data to select and combine sub-image data from both subsets to obtain focus information, allowing AF to function effectively across different illumination conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic device uses a single exposure degree for auto-focus, then the device structure is simple, but the AF fails in high-illumination environments due to saturation pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel subsets with different sensitivity levels (first pixel subset with first sensitivity, second pixel subset with second sensitivity). This segmentation allows the system to capture image data at different exposure levels simultaneously, enabling reliable AF in varying illumination conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensitivity parameter of pixel subsets within the image sensor to create multiple exposure characteristics. By assigning different sensitivity values to different pixel subsets, the system can select appropriate sub-image data based on illumination conditions, resolving the contradiction between AF reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the electronic device uses a single exposure degree for auto-focus, then the device operation is simple, but the AF fails in low-illumination environments due to insufficient light
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel subsets with different sensitivity levels (first pixel subset with first sensitivity, second pixel subset with second sensitivity). This segmentation allows the system to capture image data at different exposure levels simultaneously, enabling reliable AF in varying illumination conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensitivity parameter of pixel subsets within the image sensor to create multiple exposure characteristics. By assigning different sensitivity values to different pixel subsets, the system can select appropriate sub-image data based on illumination conditions, resolving the contradiction between AF reliability and device complexity.
3Reliability
If the electronic device changes exposure degree to enable AF, then the AF can be performed, but the live view image becomes excessively dark or bright causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel subsets with different sensitivity levels (first pixel subset with first sensitivity, second pixel subset with second sensitivity). This segmentation allows the system to capture image data at different exposure levels simultaneously, enabling reliable AF in varying illumination conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple pixel subsets with different sensitivities serve multiple functions: they enable AF in various lighting conditions while simultaneously providing properly exposed live view images for user comfort. The processor selects appropriate sub-image data based on illumination attributes, making the system universally applicable across different lighting scenarios.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device uses multiple pixel subsets with different sensitivities, then the AF can be performed in various lighting conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel subsets with different sensitivity levels (first pixel subset with first sensitivity, second pixel subset with second sensitivity). This segmentation allows the system to capture image data at different exposure levels simultaneously, enabling reliable AF in varying illumination conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensitivity parameter of pixel subsets within the image sensor to create multiple exposure characteristics. By assigning different sensitivity values to different pixel subsets, the system can select appropriate sub-image data based on illumination conditions, resolving the contradiction between AF reliability and device complexity.
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
Enables reliable auto-focus in various lighting conditions, ensuring the desired subject is in focus and maintaining proper image quality, reducing user discomfort by adjusting exposure settings dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor including a first pixel subset having at least one pixel with a first sensitivity and a second pixel subset having at least one pixel with a second sensitivity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an image sensor including a first pixel subset with a first sensitivity and a second pixel subset having with a second sensitivity, and a processor to process image data generated through the image sensor. The processor obtains image data through each of the first pixel subset and the second pixel subset, select at least one sub-image data based at least on the attribute information of the first sub-image data and the second sub-image data of the image data, and obtain focus information corresponding to the external subject using the selected sub-image data.