Phase Difference Pixel Signal Correction for Lens-Exchangeable Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lens-exchangeable cameras face challenges in correcting the output signal of phase difference detection pixels due to varying lens configurations, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inability to correct for new lenses without pre-stored gain values.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a communication unit to acquire lens-specific information, a gain correction unit, an interpolation correction unit, and a method selection unit to choose between interpolation and gain correction methods for accurate phase difference detection signal correction, regardless of the mounted lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gain correction processing is performed using pre-stored gain values for all lenses, then correction precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and new lenses cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device performs self-calibration by automatically generating correction gain values through imaging processing. The system captures reference images, calculates actual gain values from the captured data, and stores these generated values for correction processing, eliminating the need for manual pre-storation of gain values for all lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines correction parameters (gain values) based on actual imaging conditions and lens characteristics. Instead of using fixed pre-stored values, the system calculates and adapts gain values by imaging processing reference images, allowing adaptation to different lenses including new ones.
2Measurement precision
If pre-stored gain values are maintained for all lenses, then correction accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device autonomously generates and manages correction gain values through automated imaging processing. The system captures reference images, computes gain values from the captured data, and performs correction processing without requiring external calibration equipment or complex pre-configuration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates correction gain values by processing reference images that represent typical imaging conditions. These generated gain values serve as corrected parameters that can be applied to similar imaging scenarios, eliminating the need for extensive pre-storation of lens-specific parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interpolation correction processing is used instead of gain correction, then adaptability to new lenses is improved, but correction precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates correction gain values through imaging processing of reference images, adapting parameters to match specific lens characteristics. This approach allows the system to achieve both adaptability to different lenses and precision by calculating actual gain values rather than using fixed interpolation methods.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a lens-exchangeable imaging device that is capable of correcting an output signal of a pixel for phase difference detection at high speed and with high precision. A camera main body 200 includes a correction method selection unit 174 that selects any of a method in which the output signals of all the pixels for phase difference detection that are included in a solid-state imaging element 5 are interpolation-corrected by an interpolation correction processing unit 172 and a method in which the output signals of all the phase difference detection are gain-corrected by a gain correction processing unit 171, according to lens information that is acquired from a lens device 100, and an image processing unit 175 that corrects the output signal of the pixel for phase difference detection, using the selected method.