Imaging Device Ghost Detection Using Pixel Underlayer Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to accurately detect and correct output level differences caused by ghost light, which can lead to erroneous corrections and image quality degradation, particularly when the output level differences are due to the underlayer layout of imaging elements rather than ghost light.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a single plate-type imaging element and a color filter array, equipped with a determination unit that assesses output level differences between pixels with different underlayer layouts to determine ghost generation within a set threshold, and a correction unit that adjusts output levels to reduce differences, thereby preventing unnecessary corrections and enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If output level differences between adjacent pixels are used to detect ghost light, then ghost detection capability is improved, but false detection increases due to underlayer layout variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between pixels based on their underlayer layout characteristics. It identifies pixels with different underlayer layouts (first layout vs. second layout) and uses this local differentiation to distinguish between genuine ghost light signals and artifacts caused by layout variations. The determination unit specifically compares output levels of pixels with different underlayer layouts to detect ghosts, thereby improving detection precision while reducing false positives.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform correction is applied to all pixels with output level differences, then correction processing is simplified, but image quality deteriorates due to unnecessary corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality in the correction process by selectively applying corrections only to pixels identified as having ghost light artifacts. The correction unit receives determination results indicating which pixels have ghosts and applies correction only to those specific pixels, rather than uniformly correcting all pixels with output level differences. This targeted approach maintains processing simplicity while significantly improving image quality by avoiding unnecessary corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by using the determination unit's output to control the correction unit's operation. The determination unit continuously monitors output level differences and underlayer layout characteristics, providing feedback information about which pixels require correction. This feedback mechanism enables the correction unit to adjust its processing dynamically, correcting only when and where needed, thus balancing processing simplicity with image quality preservation.
3Measurement precision
If threshold for output level difference is set low, then ghost detection sensitivity is improved, but false corrections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different threshold criteria for different pixel types and locations. It considers the underlayer layout characteristics of each pixel when determining whether to apply correction, effectively using spatial and structural information to modulate the detection threshold. This allows the system to maintain high sensitivity for genuine ghosts while reducing false corrections in regions where output level differences are expected due to layout variations.
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
The solution effectively detects and corrects ghost light-induced output level differences, preventing false corrections and improving image quality by distinguishing between ghost light effects and normal light patterns, ensuring accurate ghost detection and correction.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pixels including two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a photography optical system, and a single plate-type imaging element in which a plurality of pixels including two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements and having a different underlayer layout are repeatedly arranged in a predetermined pattern, and color filters on the plurality of pixels, determination unit determines that a ghost is generated when an output level of one of the plurality of pixels and an output level of the same color pixel in the vicinity of the one pixel, which is the other pixel having a different underlayer layout from the one pixel, are different within a range in which the output levels do not exceed a predetermined threshold, and correction unit reducing a difference of the output level between the one pixel and the same color pixel in the vicinity when the determination unit determines that the ghost is generated.