Imaging Element Focus Detection Pixel Signal Reading Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in efficiently combining live-view display and focus detection, as they require alternating reading of pixel signals from imaging and focus detection pixels, which can slow down the frame rate and complicate the focus detection process.
Innovation Solution
An imaging element with a reading unit and a reading range setting unit that alternately reads pixel signals from imaging and focus detection pixels, allowing for faster live-view display and precise focus detection by optimizing the reading range based on the focus detection area, thereby reducing the time required for pixel signal reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel signals from imaging pixels and focus detection pixels are read in an alternating manner, then focus detection can be performed, but the frame rate slows down and the reading process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is segmented into distinct imaging pixels and focus detection pixels with different light receiver structures. Focus detection pixels have light receivers with openings at different positions compared to imaging pixels, enabling separate reading operations. This segmentation allows the reading unit to selectively read from different pixel types without interference, resolving the contradiction between maintaining frame rate and performing focus detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading unit dynamically switches between reading imaging pixels and focus detection pixels based on operational requirements. The system can alternately read from different pixel types in a controlled manner, optimizing the balance between live-view display performance and focus detection accuracy. This dynamic reading strategy prevents the frame rate from slowing down while still enabling precise focus detection when needed.
2Measurement precision
If pixel signals from imaging pixels and focus detection pixels are read in an alternating manner, then focus detection can be performed, but the reading process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is segmented into distinct imaging pixels and focus detection pixels with different light receiver structures. Focus detection pixels have light receivers with openings at different positions compared to imaging pixels, enabling separate reading operations. This segmentation allows the reading unit to selectively read from different pixel types without interference, resolving the contradiction between maintaining frame rate and performing focus detection.
3Loss of information
If all pixel signals are read for live-view display, then complete image data is obtained, but focus detection operations become less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary pixel signals for the current operation. When focus detection is required, the reading unit selectively reads only from focus detection pixels rather than all pixels. This extraction approach maintains focus detection efficiency while still providing sufficient data for the task at hand, without requiring complete image data from all pixels.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes a plurality of imaging pixels each with a light receiver and a plurality of focus detection pixels each with a light receiver including an opening position different from opening positions in the imaging pixels. The imaging element includes a reading unit and a reading range setting unit. The reading unit reads pixel signals from the imaging pixels or the focus detection pixels. The reading range setting unit sets a reading range for the reading unit to read the pixel signals from the focus detection pixels.