Imaging Sensor Block Readout for Differential Exposure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with laminated type imaging elements face challenges in efficiently capturing images by utilizing multiple block units, leading to difficulties in generating images for display, especially when capturing still or movie images across the entire image capture region.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates an imaging unit with regions containing a plurality of first pixels and fewer second pixels, along with a control unit that reads out signals from the second pixels during exposure of the first pixels, allowing for differential exposure control and improved image capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If image capture is performed by using the entire area of the image capture region with multiple block units, then the image capture coverage is improved, but it becomes difficult to generate an image for display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture regionVSAvoidimage generation for display

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging unit is divided into multiple independent block units, each capable of independent image capture and processing. This segmentation allows flexible combination of block units to generate display images of various sizes, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive image capture coverage and ease of image generation for display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a laminated type imaging element with multiple block units is used, then the imaging capability is improved, but the convenience of use is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidconvenience of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each block unit is designed with universal functionality to capture images independently. The control unit can flexibly select and combine different numbers of block units (one or more) to generate display images, providing multi-functional operation that enhances both imaging capability and convenience of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the image is divided into blocks for capture, then the flexibility of image capture is improved, but the prior art structure cannot be applied to acquire captured images for each block

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture flexibilityVSAvoidapplicability of prior art structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically controls the operation of multiple block units, enabling flexible selection of how many block units to operate simultaneously. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to adapt between capturing images from one block unit or multiple block units, achieving capture flexibility while maintaining compatibility with existing imaging element structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration enhances the convenience of use for electronic devices by enabling appropriate exposure for each image area, allowing for the generation of images for display even when using multiple block units.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging unit (20) that captures an image from a first region (115a) and images from monitoring regions (115b)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12219266B2Electronic device, imaging device, and imaging element for capturing an image

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 NIKON CORP

AI summary

An electronic device includes: an imaging unit including a region having a pixel group that has a plurality of first pixels, and second pixels that are fewer than the first pixels in the pixel group; and a control unit that reads out the signals based upon exposure of the second pixels during exposure of the plurality of first pixels.