Imaging Element Dual Output Paths for Simultaneous Live View and AF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in minimizing data transfer time while maintaining image quality, particularly in focus control and photometry applications, due to serial arrangement of live view and AF evaluation image pickup periods, leading to time lags and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An imaging element with a layered structure comprising a first chip for pixel arrays and a second chip for drive units, featuring separate output paths for pixel signals, a conversion unit for digital signal processing, and a control unit for generating operation control information, allowing simultaneous live view and AF evaluation image pickup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate pixel portions are provided for focus detection and image pickup, then focus detection function is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element enables a single pixel portion to perform multiple functions: image pickup for live view display and focus detection for autofocus control. The control unit selectively reads out pixel signals for different purposes, making the same hardware serve dual roles without requiring separate pixel arrays for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the live view image pickup function and focus detection function into a single pixel portion. By merging these functions and using selective signal reading, the device reduces structural complexity while maintaining both functionalities through the control unit's ability to direct signals to different processing paths.
2Measurement precision
If image signal is read out on a pixel unit basis for focus detection, then measurement precision is improved, but data transfer time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit extracts only the necessary pixel signals required for focus detection from the entire pixel array, rather than reading out all pixel data. This selective extraction approach maintains measurement precision by obtaining the needed focus information while significantly reducing the data transfer burden and improving processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reading out all pixel signals, the system performs partial reading by selecting only specific pixel signals needed for focus detection. This partial action approach achieves sufficient measurement precision without the excessive data transfer overhead of reading the entire pixel array.
3Device complexity
If live view and AF evaluation image pickup are arranged serially, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element continuously performs both live view image pickup and focus detection image pickup simultaneously without interruption. The control unit manages the simultaneous operations by selectively reading out pixel signals for both purposes, eliminating the time lag that would occur with serial arrangement while maintaining relatively simple device control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the reading out destination of pixel signals based on operational needs. The control unit can flexibly direct signals to live view processing or focus detection processing as needed, enabling simultaneous operation of both functions without requiring complex dedicated hardware for each mode.
4Measurement precision
If frame rate is increased for AF evaluation, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to high thinning-out rate
Solution Approach 1:
The same pixel portion and readout circuitry are used for both live view and focus detection functions. By making the system universal rather than providing separate dedicated hardware, the patent reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to perform high-frame-rate focus detection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial reading of pixel signals for focus detection, reading only the necessary data at high frame rates when needed, rather than continuously processing all pixel data. This reduces energy consumption compared to full-frame continuous processing while maintaining AF evaluation accuracy when required.
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 reduces data transfer time and maintains image quality by enabling simultaneous image pickup for live view and AF evaluation, thereby decreasing power consumption and processing burdens.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel portion in which pixels each for photoelectrically converting an optical image of an object to pixel signals
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element having a layered structure including a first chip having a pixel portion in which pixels for photoelectrically converting an optical image of an object and generating a pixel signal are arranged two-dimensionally and a second chip in which a drive means of the pixel portion is arranged, and having a first output path to output the pixel signals of at least a first pixel group in the pixel portion and a second output path to output the pixel signals of a second pixel group, comprises the a conversion means for converting the pixel signals of the first and second output paths into digital signals and a control information generation means for generating control information of a photographing operation of the object by using the digital signal converted by the conversion means, wherein at least a part of the conversion means is arranged in the first chip.