MOS Imaging Device Dual Readout Control for Live View and Still Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face issues with maintaining consistent brightness and display quality during live view image display while capturing still images, particularly when dealing with moving objects, and struggle to generate high-quality still image data.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a MOS type imaging device with a mechanical shutter and a dual readout control system, where a first captured image signal is read out from specific pixels during exposure and a second captured image signal is read out after exposure, allowing for the integration and storage of these signals to generate high-quality still image data while continuously displaying live view images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If signals are sequentially read out from pixels in odd rows or even rows during exposure, then a live view image can be displayed during still image capturing, but brightness of the live view image does not become constant and display quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging element's pixels into three distinct groups: first pixels (odd rows) for live view display, second pixels (even rows) for still image capture, and third pixels (additional rows) for brightness correction. This segmentation allows each pixel group to serve a specific function, resolving the contradiction by enabling live view display while maintaining image quality through dedicated correction pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces third pixels as an intermediary element that captures the same scene as the first pixels but is used solely for brightness correction. These third pixels act as a mediator between the live view display requirement and the quality requirement, providing reference data to correct brightness variations in the final still image without interfering with the live view display process.
2Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical shutter is used to control exposure, then high-quality still image data can be captured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple functional groups that can be independently controlled and read out. By dividing pixels into first, second, and third groups with different readout timings and purposes, the system achieves high-quality still image capture without requiring a mechanical shutter, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining image quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If all pixels are used for still image exposure, then high-quality still image data is generated, but live view image display cannot be performed during exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel array into three functional groups: first pixels for live view display, second pixels for still image capture, and third pixels for brightness correction. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of live view display and still image capture by directing different pixel groups to different tasks, resolving the contradiction between maintaining still image quality and enabling live view display during exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses only a portion of the total pixels (first pixels) for live view display during exposure, while the second pixels remain dedicated to still image capture. This partial use of pixels for live view purposes allows the still image quality to be maintained while enabling live view functionality, as not all pixels are consumed by the live view process.
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 enables the recording of high-quality still image data while maintaining continuous live view image display during still image capturing, simplifying brightness correction and improving display quality, even with moving subjects, by using a mechanical shutter and dual readout control system.
Implementation Method 1
a MOS type imaging element (5) including a plurality of pixels (61)
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a MOS type imaging element comprising a plurality of pixels; a mechanical shutter disposed in front of the imaging element; a driving unit that drives the imaging element; an imaging control unit that performs still image exposure control, first readout control and second readout control as defined herein; a display control unit that generates live view image data as defined herein; a first storage unit as defined herein; and an image processing unit as defined herein.