Imaging Apparatus Shutter Drive Timing Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in quickly updating live view images after still image pickup, leading to a risk of losing sight of the subject due to longer readout times for still image storage compared to live view image display.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an imager with a global shutter drive and rolling shutter drive, including a charge discharge region, to manage exposure and readout processes, allowing synchronization of the rolling shutter drive with display update timings to reduce readout times and enhance live view image updating speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging apparatus performs still image storage using global shutter drive, then the image quality and exposure accuracy are improved, but the readout time becomes longer causing live view image display to be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the photoelectric conversion and charge accumulation in the photoelectric conversion element before the readout process. The imager captures light and converts it to electrical charges during the exposure period, and this charge accumulation is completed before the readout operation begins. This preliminary capture of image information ensures that when readout starts (even if delayed due to still image processing), the image data is already captured and can be quickly converted to signals for display, reducing the perceived delay in live view update.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process into distinct functional stages: photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion element, charge transfer to charge holders, and sequential readout. By dividing the imager structure into photoelectric conversion elements, charge holders, and readout circuits that operate in sequence, the system can maintain global shutter exposure accuracy while managing the readout timeline more efficiently for live view display.
2Loss of information
If the apparatus reads out all pixel signals from the charge holder for still image storage, then complete image data is obtained, but the readout time increases causing the live view image update to be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by reading out only the necessary pixel signals for the current live view display requirement rather than completing the readout of all pixel signals from the entire charge holder array. The readout circuit selectively reads out signals based on the display buffer requirements, performing only the minimal necessary readout operation to maintain live view updates, rather than exhaustively reading all available pixel data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the readout circuit operational and ready to read out pixel signals continuously. Even during still image capture sequences, the system maintains the ability to read out signals for live view display without completely halting the readout function. This continuous operation ensures that live view images can be updated regularly while still image data is being processed.
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 speeds up the update of live view image display after still image pickup, reducing the risk of losing sight of the subject by optimizing the exposure and readout processes in the imaging apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion element, a charge holder that holds a charge generated and accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imager, an imaging controller and a display controller as defined herein, a time required for the first rolling readout drive is longer than a time required for each of the rolling reset drive, the rolling shutter drive and the second rolling readout drive, and in an imaging mode in which the imaging controller performs the first drive while continuously performing the second drive, the imaging controller sets a first start timing of the second drive performed first after a start of the first drive to be during an implementation period of the first rolling readout drive in the first drive, and synchronizes a second start timing of the rolling shutter drive performed first after the start of the first drive with the display update timing that comes first after an end of the first rolling readout drive.