Image Sensor Storage Control Circuit for Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autofocus camera systems using phase difference detection methods require larger and more costly circuitry for focal point detection as the number of focal point-detection areas increases, due to the need for separate storage control for each area.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an image sensor with three or more photoelectric conversion devices and a storage control circuit that commonly controls storage operations across photoelectric conversion devices not directly next to each other, allowing for efficient control of storage time and reducing the circuit scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a greater number of focal point-detection areas are set, then the focal point detection capability is improved, but the storage control means needs to have a larger scale circuit which increases the bulk and cost of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple photoelectric conversion element arrays into a single storage control means. Instead of having separate control circuits for each array, one control means manages all arrays by controlling charge storage based on image signal characteristics, thereby reducing the overall circuit scale while maintaining detection capability across multiple focal point detection areas
Solution Approach 2:
The storage control means is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple photoelectric conversion element arrays simultaneously. It can selectively control charge storage operations across different arrays based on the image signal characteristics, making a single control circuit serve multiple purposes rather than requiring dedicated control for each array
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 enables efficient focal point detection with a smaller circuit scale, even with multiple focal point-detection areas, and allows for optimal storage time control, preventing saturation issues and ensuring accurate defocus calculations.
Implementation Method 1
three or more photoelectric conversion devices; and a storage control circuit that controls storage operations at the photoelectric conversion devices
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes: three or more photoelectric conversion devices; and a storage control circuit that controls storage operations at the photoelectric conversion devices, and the storage control circuit commonly controls the storage operations at two or more photoelectric conversion devices that are not disposed directly next to one another among the photoelectric conversion devices.