Image Sensor Region Control for Multi-Mode Subject Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses with stacked image sensors have limited usability as they primarily capture images on a single-block basis, restricting the generation of multiple types of images from the same subject.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a drive control unit, division unit, and image generation unit that divides the image capture region into multiple regions, allowing for the capture and generation of multiple images of the same subject by controlling the image sensor's operation in different regions with varying parameters such as charge accumulation time, frame rate, and gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image sensor captures images on a single-block basis, then the device structure remains simple, but the usability and versatility of the electronic apparatus are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel region of the image sensor is divided into multiple blocks (first block, second block, etc.), each capable of independent image capture. This segmentation enables the electronic apparatus to capture multiple types of images (still images, moving images, depth maps) simultaneously from different blocks, thereby improving versatility without requiring multiple separate image sensors or complex mechanical structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image capture region is divided into multiple regions for capturing multiple image types, then the versatility improves, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically assigns different image capture conditions (charge accumulation time, gain, frame rate) to different blocks based on the desired image types. For example, the first block may use longer charge accumulation time for high-sensitivity still images, while the second block uses shorter time for moving images. This dynamic control enables versatile image capture without requiring separate physical devices for each image type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (charge accumulation time, gain, frame rate, readout timing) across different blocks to achieve different image capture modes. By varying these parameters rather than changing hardware configuration, the system achieves multiple image types from a single stacked image sensor, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
3Productivity
If multiple image types are captured simultaneously from different regions, then the productivity and efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image capture functions (still image capture, moving image capture, depth map capture) into a single stacked image sensor by dividing the pixel region into multiple blocks. Each block operates independently but is integrated within the same sensor structure, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple image types in parallel, thereby improving productivity without requiring multiple separate sensors or complex mechanical switching mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
To generate multiple types of images of the same subject, an electronic apparatus includes a drive control unit that controls the drive of an image sensor, a division unit that divides an image capture region of the image sensor into at least first and second regions, and an image generation unit that generates a first image by capturing an image of the same subject in the first region and generates a second image by capturing an image of the same subject in the second region.