Imaging Element HDR and Phase Detection via Pixel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in generating High Dynamic Range (HDR) images while maintaining accurate phase difference detection, as methods that use pixels with different aperture ratios can lead to highlight-detail loss and reduced accuracy in phase difference detection.
Innovation Solution
An imaging element and apparatus that utilize multiple photoelectric conversion units within each pixel unit, allowing for setting of output conditions such as ISO sensitivity, exposure time, and gain amplification, enabling simultaneous HDR image generation and phase difference detection by correcting exposure differences between pixel signals from different pupil planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pixels with different aperture ratios are used to generate HDR images, then dynamic range is expanded, but phase difference detection accuracy is reduced due to light ray obstruction and highlight-detail loss
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel unit is segmented into multiple photoelectric conversion units (first and second photoelectric conversion units) that are spatially separated. This segmentation allows different units within the same pixel unit to capture light from different pupil planes, enabling both HDR imaging and phase difference detection without using pixels with largely different aperture ratios that would obstruct light rays.
Solution Approach 2:
Different photoelectric conversion units within the same pixel unit are assigned different functions: some units are optimized for HDR imaging while others are optimized for phase difference detection. This local quality differentiation allows each unit to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between dynamic range expansion and detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If multiple signal processes are performed simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is designed with multi-functionality where the same pixel units containing multiple photoelectric conversion units serve dual purposes: generating HDR images and performing phase difference detection. This universality allows simultaneous execution of multiple signal processes without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function, thus improving productivity while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of HDR image generation and phase difference detection are merged into a single integrated imaging element. By combining these functions in one device with shared photoelectric conversion units, the system achieves high productivity through simultaneous processing while avoiding the increased complexity that would result from having separate independent systems for each function.
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 approach allows for the generation of HDR images and accurate phase difference detection in a single shooting operation, preventing image blur and enhancing detection accuracy by executing signal processes in parallel, thereby expanding the dynamic range and maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios.
Implementation Method 1
first and second photoelectric conversion units included in each of the pixel units
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units that respectively receives lights passing through different partial pupil regions with respect to lights from a shooting lens. Each of the pixel units has first and second photoelectric conversion units, and a video image signal processing unit and a phase difference signal processing unit obtain and process each of signals output from the first and second photoelectric conversion units. A video image signal processing unit obtains the signals of the first and second photoelectric conversion units having the setting of different output conditions of pixel signals, and performs a dynamic range expanding process of the image signal. The phase difference signal processing unit corrects the signals of the first and second photoelectric conversion units and performs focus detection of the phase difference detection method. The video image signal processing unit and the phase difference signal processing unit execute the respective signal processes in parallel in a single shooting operation.