Imaging Apparatus Split-Pupil Linearity Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging apparatuses with split-read technology often lose linearity of brightness and color due to electric signal properties, leading to difficulties in determining compensation values and resulting in low-quality image output.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a read unit for split-pupil image signal acquisition and a compensating unit that corrects linearity based on signals from both split-read and simultaneous read operations, generating high-quality image signals by compensating for the non-linearity between light incidence and signal brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If split-read is performed to increase productivity, then image signal acquisition speed is improved, but linearity of brightness and color is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a first read operation to acquire reference image signals before the second read operation. These reference signals are used to calculate compensation values that correct the non-linearity introduced by split-read. By preparing the compensation data in advance, the system can maintain signal linearity while achieving high-speed dual-pupil imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the image signals obtained from the first read operation to calculate compensation values, which are then applied to the image signals from the second read operation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the non-linearity introduced by split-read is continuously corrected, maintaining brightness and color linearity while preserving the productivity benefits of split-read.
2Loss of time
If split-read is performed to reduce exposure time, then shooting speed is improved, but signal level difference between split-read and single-read images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary first read operation to acquire reference image signals that capture the signal level characteristics under split-read conditions. These reference signals are used to calculate compensation values that equalize the signal levels between split-read and single-read images, enabling fast shooting while maintaining signal consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal processing parameters by applying compensation values derived from the first read operation to the second read operation. This parameter adjustment equalizes the signal levels between different read modes, allowing the system to switch between fast split-read and quality single-read modes without signal level inconsistency.
3Device complexity
If compensation values are calculated without proper reference to maintain signal linearity, then processing simplicity is improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary first read operation to acquire reference image signals before the actual imaging. These reference signals are used to calculate accurate compensation values that account for the specific characteristics of the imaging system. This preliminary step ensures high image quality while keeping the overall processing relatively simple by reusing the same reference signals for multiple corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the reference image signals obtained from the first read operation and uses this copied data to calculate compensation values for the second read operation. This copying approach allows the system to maintain accurate compensation without requiring complex real-time calculations, balancing processing simplicity with image quality.
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
The apparatus effectively compensates for signal non-linearity, ensuring high-quality image output by accurately determining compensation values and improving image signal linearity, thereby enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element having a pixel unit in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion units is arranged
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, an imaging apparatus includes: a read unit configured to perform a first driving that reads image signals from each of photoelectric conversion units and a second driving that simultaneously reads image signals from the photoelectric conversion units, the photoelectric conversion units receiving light that passes through pupil regions having different imaging optical systems; a compensating unit configured to perform a process of compensating a first linearity based on the image signals obtained by the first driving and a second linearity based on the image signals obtained by the second driving, each of the first and second linearities being a relation between an amount of light incident to the photoelectric conversion unit and a brightness of the image signals read by the reading unit; and a generating unit configured to generate an image signal for recording by adding the image signals compensated the first linearity by the compensating unit.