Phase Difference Pixel Data Accumulation for Ranging Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate ranging calculations due to increased calculation errors when phase difference pixel outputs are smaller than the sensor output range, necessitating methods to ensure phase difference pixel outputs are comparable to recording pixel outputs.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a phase difference pixel extraction unit, a phase difference pixel calculation unit, and a determination unit that add phase difference pixel data from current and past frames to determine if a focus detection operation should be performed, using the added data or current frame data based on pixel characteristics, ensuring reliable ranging calculations without deteriorating recording pixel output continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase difference pixel output is used for ranging calculation, then focus detection can be performed, but calculation error increases when phase difference pixel output is smaller than sensor output range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding phase difference pixel data from multiple frames before performing the ranging calculation. This preprocessing step ensures that the phase difference pixel output meets the minimum threshold required for accurate calculation, preventing calculation errors that would occur with low output values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges phase difference pixel data from multiple frames by adding them together. This combination approach increases the overall output signal, ensuring it reaches the minimum threshold required for reliable ranging calculations, thereby resolving the issue of low output causing calculation errors.
2Reliability
If phase difference pixel output is increased to match recording pixel output, then ranging calculation reliability improves, but recording pixel output continuity may be deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into recording pixels and phase difference pixels, allowing independent processing. Recording pixels maintain their original output continuity for image quality, while phase difference pixels are separately added across frames to achieve sufficient output for reliable ranging calculations without affecting recording pixel stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating phase difference pixels differently from recording pixels. Phase difference pixels undergo frame addition to boost output for reliable ranging, while recording pixels maintain their natural output characteristics to preserve image quality and continuity, with each pixel type optimized for its specific function.
3Reliability
If phase difference pixel data from multiple frames is added, then ranging calculation reliability improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the frame addition operation as a preliminary step before ranging calculation. By accumulating phase difference pixel data from multiple frames in advance, the system ensures reliable output levels are achieved, and this preprocessing is integrated into the existing imaging pipeline to minimize additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A phase difference pixel extraction unit reads phase difference pixel data obtained by performing a storing operation in the same storing time for each of the phase difference pixels in each frame of an imaging operation of an image pickup device. A phase difference pixel calculation unit adds the read frame-by-frame phase difference pixel data of the same coordinates in a current frame and a past frame. A determination unit determines whether to perform a focus detection operation based on the added phase difference pixel data. A ranging calculation processing unit applies the added phase difference pixel data when it is determined, and otherwise applies the phase difference pixel data in the current frame.