Pixel Mixing and Correction for Phase-Difference Detecting Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing systems that utilize phase-difference detecting pixels for focusing face challenges in maintaining image quality due to reduced light exposure, as these pixels are partially shielded and cannot be used for image formation, leading to degraded output.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that mix and correct pixel outputs from imaging and phase-difference detecting pixels using information about the number of mixed pixel outputs with the same opening direction, thereby compensating for light reduction and preventing image quality degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase-difference detecting pixels are shielded from light to detect phase difference, then focusing detection capability is improved, but image quality is degraded due to reduced light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is segmented into two distinct types of pixels: phase-difference detecting pixels (with shielding structures for focusing detection) and imaging pixels (without shielding for image formation). This segmentation allows each pixel type to perform its specialized function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outputs of phase-difference detecting pixels and imaging pixels through a pixel mixing unit. By combining these pixel outputs and applying correction based on the number of mixed pixel outputs, the system recovers image quality while preserving focusing detection capability.
2Reliability
If phase-difference detecting pixels are used for focusing detection, then focusing functionality is improved, but the pixels cannot be used for image formation, leading to image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by enabling phase-difference detecting pixels to serve dual purposes: focusing detection (through their shielding structure) and image formation (through output mixing and correction). The pixel mixing unit processes outputs from both pixel types to generate corrected image data, making the phase-difference detecting pixels universally useful for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pixel outputs through gain correction and interpolation. The correction process modifies the output parameters of phase-difference detecting pixels based on the count of mixed pixel outputs, transforming degraded pixel data into corrected image data that maintains overall image quality.
3Quantity of substance
If pixel outputs are mixed including phase-difference detecting pixels, then image data completeness is improved, but image quality is degraded without correction
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the number of mixed pixel outputs as correction information. The pixel mixing unit and image processing unit utilize this count to apply appropriate gain correction and interpolation, creating a feedback loop that adjusts the mixing process to maintain image quality while ensuring data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting correction parameters based on the number of mixed pixel outputs. The image processing unit modifies gain and interpolation parameters according to this count, transforming the mixed pixel outputs into corrected image data that maintains both completeness and quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus is designed to process pixel outputs of an imaging element including imaging pixels and phase-difference detecting pixels. The apparatus includes a pixel mixing unit and an image processing unit. The pixel mixing unit mixes the pixel outputs. The image processing unit corrects the pixel outputs to prevent the phase-difference detecting pixels from degrading image quality, by using at least one of information selected from a group consisting of the number of mixed pixel outputs of phase-difference detecting pixels having the same opening direction and the number of mixed pixel outputs of imaging pixels having the same opening direction.