Imaging Device Motion-Based Readout Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face a trade-off between image quality and focus performance due to the need for thinning-out processing of phase difference detecting pixels, which affects the quality of live view images and focus precision.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that includes a detecting unit to determine thinning-out processing based on the motion of a subject, switching between different readout modes that include phase difference detecting pixels and image generating pixels to optimize focus determination and image quality, using phase difference detection for high-motion subjects and contrast detection for low-motion subjects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thinning-out processing is performed to read out many phase difference detecting pixels, then focus detection precision is improved, but image quality of live view image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the readout mode between full readout and thinning-out readout based on the detected subject motion. When subject motion is detected, the system switches to thinning-out readout to prioritize focus detection speed and precision. When no significant motion is detected, the system uses full readout to maintain high image quality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the readout parameter (thinning-out ratio) based on subject motion conditions. By detecting subject motion and adjusting the readout mode accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between focus detection precision and image quality. The parameter change allows the system to achieve high focus precision when needed while maintaining image quality when focus adjustments are less critical.
2Productivity
If thinning-out processing is performed to increase readout speed, then frame rate is improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between full readout mode and thinning-out readout mode based on subject motion detection. When subject motion is detected during live view imaging, the system transitions to thinning-out readout to increase frame rate and improve responsiveness. When no significant motion is detected, the system maintains full readout to ensure high image quality. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize frame rate only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the readout parameter (thinning-out ratio) based on detected subject motion to optimize frame rate while minimizing image quality degradation. By changing the readout mode conditionally rather than continuously, the system achieves higher productivity only when subject motion warrants it, thereby maintaining image quality during static or low-motion scenarios.
3Speed
If phase difference detecting pixels are increased for better focus determination, then focus speed is improved, but interpolation processing increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between full readout mode and thinning-out readout mode based on subject motion detection. When subject motion is detected, the system activates thinning-out readout which increases the proportion of phase difference detecting pixels in the readout signal, thereby improving focus speed and responsiveness. When no significant motion is detected, the system uses full readout to maintain high image quality with minimal interpolation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize focus speed only when subject motion requires it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the readout configuration parameter based on subject motion conditions to optimize the balance between focus speed and image quality. By detecting subject motion and adjusting the readout mode accordingly, the system increases phase difference detecting pixel utilization only when needed for focus determination, thereby achieving faster focus speed without continuous image quality degradation.
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 suitable setting of thinning-out processing to balance image quality and focus performance, improving live view image quality and focus speed according to the subject's motion, while maintaining consistent signal readout intervals.
Implementation Method 1
there has been proposed an imaging apparatus which perform auto-focusing using a phase difference detecting method wherein light passed through an imaging lens is pupil-divided to form a pair of images, and an interval between the formed images is measured (phase difference is detected), thereby determining the position of the imaging lens
Implementation Method 2
there has been proposed an imaging apparatus which performs auto-focusing using a contrast detecting method wherein multiple images are imaged while shifting the focal position, and a focal position having the highest contrast is taken as a focused focal position
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device includes a detecting unit configured to detect a motion of a subject included in an image generated by an imaging device including multiple phase difference detecting pixels which generate a signal arranged to perform focus determination by phase difference detection, and multiple image generating pixels which generate a signal arranged to generate an image; and a determining unit configured to determine thinning-out processing when reading out a signal from the imaging device, according to the detected motion of a subject.