Imaging Element Block Exposure Control for Area-Specific Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with laminated type imaging elements face challenges in capturing images efficiently, particularly when images need to be captured in multiple block units, leading to difficulties in generating images for display, especially for still or movie images across the entire image capture region, which affects the convenience of use.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates an imaging unit with a region of multiple first pixels and a region with fewer second pixels, along with a control unit that reads out signals from the second pixels during exposure of the first pixels, allowing for differential exposure time control and image capture across multiple regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If image capture is performed using the entire area of the image capture region with laminated type imaging element, then complete image coverage is achieved, but it becomes difficult to generate an image for display
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is divided into multiple block units, each containing a pixel group with first pixels and second pixels. This segmentation allows different regions to be processed independently, enabling image generation from selected blocks while maintaining overall coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pixel groups within block units are configured with different numbers of pixels (first pixels vs second pixels), creating local variations in pixel density. This allows certain regions to be optimized for specific functions such as display image generation while other regions handle overall image capture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image is divided into blocks with multiple regions for capture, then regional image processing is enabled, but it becomes difficult to apply the structure to cases requiring captured images from each block
Solution Approach 1:
Each block unit is designed with both first pixels and second pixels that can serve different functions. The same block structure can be used for overall image capture, regional processing, or selective block image acquisition, making the system universally applicable to multiple imaging scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically selects which block units and pixel groups to activate based on imaging requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between capturing images from entire blocks or selected regions within blocks, providing operational flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If differential exposure time control is implemented for different pixel regions, then appropriate exposure for each image area is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels and second pixels within each block unit, allowing independent exposure time control for each segment. This segmentation enables precise differential exposure control without requiring complex per-pixel control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of controlling exposure for all pixels uniformly, the system applies differential exposure control only to specific pixel groups (first vs second pixels) within block units. This partial action approach achieves necessary exposure precision while avoiding excessive complexity.
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 solution enhances the convenience of the electronic device by enabling appropriate exposure for each image area and allows for efficient image capture and display, even during still or movie image capture across multiple block units.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element in which an image capture chip of the backside-illumination type and a signal processing chip are laminated together
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: an imaging unit including a region having a pixel group that has a plurality of first pixels, and second pixels that are fewer than the first pixels in the pixel group; and a control unit that reads out the signals based upon exposure of the second pixels during exposure of the plurality of first pixels.