Micro Lens Array for Single-Frame High Dynamic Range Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices that generate high dynamic range images using low dynamic range imaging elements face challenges such as requiring multiple frames, resulting in memory issues, delay times, and motion blur due to focal position mismatching when capturing moving objects.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with an imaging lens, object imaging pixels, focal point detection pixels, and a lens array, which includes a phase difference detection unit for focal point adjustment and an image synthesizing unit to combine images with different exposure conditions within a single frame, allowing for focal point matching and high dynamic range image generation without mismatching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple frames are used to generate HDR image, then dynamic range is improved, but memory requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is segmented into multiple pixel types (first photoelectric conversion pixels, second photoelectric conversion pixels, and focal point detection pixels) that simultaneously capture different exposure levels within a single frame, eliminating the need to store multiple separate frames while maintaining HDR capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal multiplexing (multiple frames over time) to spatial multiplexing (multiple pixel types in different spatial positions within one frame), thereby capturing multiple exposure levels simultaneously without increasing memory requirements
2Illumination intensity
If multiple frames are captured for HDR, then dynamic range is improved, but processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is pre-configured with different pixel types optimized for different exposure levels, allowing immediate capture of HDR data in a single frame without the time delay associated with capturing and processing multiple sequential frames
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves continuous HDR imaging by capturing all necessary exposure data simultaneously in one frame, eliminating the intermittent processing delays that occur when switching between multiple frame captures
3Illumination intensity
If multiple frames are used for HDR synthesis, then dynamic range is improved, but motion blur occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element segments different exposure functions across different pixel types, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple exposure levels within a single exposure time, thereby eliminating motion blur that occurs when capturing multiple frames sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple exposure capture functions into a single frame by using different pixel types for different exposure levels, thereby capturing all exposure data at the same moment in time and eliminating motion artifacts
4Measurement precision
If focal point detection pixels are added, then focusing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element achieves multi-functionality by incorporating focal point detection pixels alongside photoelectric conversion pixels in a unified structure, allowing the same device to perform both imaging and autofocus functions without requiring separate focusing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element performs self-focusing by using dedicated focal point detection pixels that automatically detect phase differences and provide feedback for lens adjustment, eliminating the need for external or complex manual focusing systems
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
Enables the generation of high dynamic range images without focal position mismatching, reducing memory requirements, processing delays, and motion blur, while maintaining the original image resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array configured by micro lenses being arranged on a two-dimensional plane, and arranged on a front surface of an imaging surface of the imaging element to be distanced therefrom
Implementation Method 2
an imaging element which contains object imaging pixels and focal point detection pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an imaging lens; an imaging element which contains object imaging pixels and focal point detection pixels; and a lens array configured by micro lenses being arranged on a two-dimensional plane, and arranged on a front surface of an imaging surface of the imaging element to be distanced therefrom.