Imaging Sensor Exposure Control for HDR Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
HDR images often suffer from image quality degradation such as decoloration, coloration, and double contour, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a control section that adjusts exposure times of pixels to be the same for at least two pixels corresponding to each light-receiving lens and different for others, generating phase difference data and HDR images from multiple exposure times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If exposure times of all pixels are made different to capture multiple exposure levels, then HDR image quality improves, but phase difference detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple groups, where each group contains pixels with different exposure times. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple exposure levels for HDR imaging while maintaining separate phase difference detection capability within each group.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different exposure times based on local requirements. Pixels in certain regions use longer exposure times for HDR brightness information, while pixels in other regions use shorter exposure times optimized for phase difference detection, allowing each region to optimize for its specific function.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple exposure times are used for HDR imaging, then dynamic range expands, but image quality degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from phase difference data to guide HDR image processing. By analyzing motion information from phase difference detections, the system can selectively apply HDR processing only where needed and adjust processing parameters to minimize degradation in regions where motion is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes processing parameters based on exposure time and scene conditions. Different HDR processing algorithms are applied to different pixel groups depending on their exposure times, and processing strength is adjusted dynamically to balance dynamic range enhancement with quality preservation.
3Loss of time
If phase difference detection is performed from single capturing, then processing time reduces, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary exposure control to create multiple image data sets with different exposure times during a single capturing operation. This preliminary action enables subsequent phase difference detection to leverage multi-exposure information, improving accuracy without requiring multiple separate capturing operations.
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 effectively suppresses image quality degradation by allowing for the generation of high-quality HDR images with controlled exposure times, enhancing image fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element, and disposed in matrix on a light-receiving surface; a plurality of light-receiving lenses provided one by one for each of the plurality of pixels in the plurality of pixels; and a control section that controls exposure times of the plurality of pixels. The control section controls the exposure times of the plurality of pixels to allow exposure times of at least two of the pixels, of the plurality of pixels corresponding to each of the light-receiving lenses, to be the same, and exposure times of at least two of the pixels, of the plurality of pixels corresponding to each of the light-receiving lenses, to be different from each other.