Imaging Apparatus Vertical Sync Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recent imaging apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption while maintaining high-resolution video capture and simultaneous image signal reading from multiple pixel groups, which affects the accuracy of in-focus confirmation and automatic focus control.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes an image sensor with a controller that synchronizes the vertical synchronization signal with a high frame rate readout cycle for simultaneous reading of first and second image signals, and adjusts the synchronization to maximize the low power consumption state when only the first image signal is read, allowing for efficient power management and accurate focus control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the imaging apparatus simultaneously reads out multiple image signals from different pixel groups, then the frame rate and image quality are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the readout mode adjustable and time-variable. The control unit dynamically switches between simultaneous readout of multiple pixel groups (first and second pixel groups) and sequential readout based on operational requirements. This allows the system to optimize between high frame rate mode (when both pixel groups are read simultaneously) and low power consumption mode (when only one pixel group is read), resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the readout parameter (which pixel groups are actively reading) based on operational needs. By controlling the timing and selection of pixel group readout, the system can adjust its power consumption level while maintaining the capability for high frame rate operation when needed. The control unit modifies readout parameters to balance performance and energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the vertical synchronization signal is synchronized with high frame rate readout cycle, then the image quality and focus control accuracy are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical synchronization signal timing is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the vertical synchronization signal timing to match the actual readout cycle of the pixel groups. When both pixel groups are being read simultaneously, the sync signal synchronizes with the high frame rate cycle to maintain focus accuracy. When only one pixel group is being read, the sync signal timing is adjusted to allow longer low power consumption periods, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy use.
3Productivity
If the imaging apparatus maintains continuous high frame rate readout, then the video quality is improved, but the battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between high frame rate readout periods and low power consumption periods. The control unit determines when to switch between reading multiple pixel groups simultaneously (high quality video capture) and reading single pixel groups (battery conservation mode). This periodic switching allows the system to maintain video quality when needed while extending battery life during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and duration of action.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor and a controller. The image sensor has a plurality of pixels and simultaneously reads out a first image signal acquired by a first pixel group among the plurality of pixels and a second image signal acquired by a second pixel group among the plurality of pixels. The controller performs operations including controlling. A vertical synchronization signal is controlled to synchronize the vertical synchronization signal with a readout cycle of an image signal corresponding to a high frame rate when the first image signal and the second image signal are simultaneously read out from the image sensor. Where low power consumption control regarding the image sensor is performed, the vertical synchronization signal is controlled to increase a period during which the image sensor is kept in a low power consumption state when only the first image signal is read out from the image sensor.