Image Sensor Zoom Switching via Pixel Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pick-up apparatuses lack the ability to seamlessly switch between zoom ranges, resulting in discontinuous zoomed video images due to changes in the number of mixed pixels during zooming.
Innovation Solution
An image pick-up apparatus with an image processing portion that switches between two modes: a first mode for telephoto and a second mode for wide-angle, adjusting the output pixel information accordingly, allowing for dynamic switching between zoom ranges without disrupting image continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electronic zoom processing is performed by changing the number of mixed pixels according to the zoom factor, then zoom magnification is improved, but image continuity deteriorates due to discontinuity at mode switching points
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving surface is divided into multiple regions with different numbers of light receiving portions, allowing the system to switch between wide-angle and telephoto modes by selecting different regions. This segmentation enables discrete zoom ranges while maintaining consistent pixel output counts, preventing discontinuities during mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of light receiving portion configuration by switching between a first mode (wide-angle) with more light receiving portions and a second mode (telephoto) with fewer light receiving portions. By carefully designing the region configurations, the total number of output pixels is maintained constant across modes, enabling parameter change without causing image discontinuity.
2Area of moving object
If the number of light receiving portions is increased for wide-angle mode, then field of view is improved, but pixel density and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving surface is segmented into multiple regions, each with optimized light receiving portion configurations. The wide-angle mode uses a first region with more light receiving portions to capture a broader field of view, while the telephoto mode uses a second region with fewer, more densely packed light receiving portions to maintain pixel density and sensitivity for magnified views.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light receiving surface are assigned different qualities in terms of light receiving portion density. The wide-angle region has lower density to cover more area, while the telephoto region has higher density to maintain measurement precision. This local quality differentiation allows each mode to optimize for its specific function.
3Measurement precision
If the number of light receiving portions is decreased for telephoto mode, then pixel density is improved, but field of view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving surface is divided into distinct regions optimized for different functions. The telephoto mode utilizes a second region with fewer light receiving portions arranged to provide higher pixel density for magnified views, while the wide-angle mode uses a first region with more light receiving portions to maintain broader field of view coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The telephoto region is designed with higher local quality in terms of pixel density to enable precise measurement and detailed imaging of magnified subjects. This localized high-density configuration is activated only when telephoto mode is selected, allowing optimal pixel density without permanently sacrificing wide-angle capability.
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 seamless zoom function by maintaining the same number of pixels between wide-angle and telephoto modes, preventing discontinuities and improving sensitivity through efficient pixel information handling.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor which outputs pixel information indicating a value specifying a color for each pixel of an image formed by light incident on a light receiving surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a processing portion having a first mode in which one piece of pixel information is output per m-square light receiving portion(s) among light receiving portions in a first region and a second mode in which one piece of pixel information is output per light receiving portions as many as a number calculated by multiplying a square of m by a square of n among light receiving portions in a second region which is a similar figure to the first region at a scaling factor of n times. The apparatus accepts an operation to switch between wide-angle and telephoto, switches the processing portion to the second mode when an operation to switch to wide-angle is accepted and the processing portion to the first mode when an operation to switch to telephoto is accepted, and outputs image information based on the pixel information output from the processing portion.