Segmented Image Sensor for Focus Detection and Exposure Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stacked image sensors lack effective methods to divide images into blocks for focused image acquisition and processing, resulting in insufficient usability in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with distinct imaging regions for focus detection and exposure calculation, where the first region captures images under a high frame rate for focus detection and the second region captures images under a lower frame rate for exposure calculation, allowing for precise pretreatment and improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional stacked image sensor is used, then the basic imaging function is provided, but the usability is insufficient due to lack of effective image division and block-based processing
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the image sensor into multiple blocks (first block, second block, third block) with different functions. The first block captures images for focus detection, the second block captures images for exposure calculation, and the third block captures images for white balance adjustment. This segmentation enables specialized processing for each function, improving overall usability without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Different blocks of the image sensor are assigned different imaging conditions and processing priorities. The first block operates at a first frame rate for focus detection, the second block operates at a second frame rate for exposure calculation, and the third block operates at a third frame rate for white balance adjustment. This local differentiation of quality and function enhances adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single imaging region is used, then the device structure is simple, but multiple imaging functions (focus detection, exposure calculation, white balance) cannot be performed simultaneously with optimized parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is segmented into multiple distinct imaging regions (first imaging region, second imaging region, third imaging region), each dedicated to a specific function. This functional segmentation allows simultaneous execution of focus detection, exposure calculation, and white balance adjustment with optimized parameters for each function, achieving versatility without requiring entirely separate sensor modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked image sensor structure provides a universal platform that integrates multiple imaging functions within a single sensor device. By assigning different functional blocks within the same sensor, the device achieves multi-functionality (focus detection, exposure calculation, white balance adjustment) while maintaining a unified sensor structure, thereby balancing versatility and structural simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If images are captured under a single frame rate, then the control system is simple, but focus detection responsiveness and exposure calculation accuracy cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The frame rate control is segmented by functional block. The first block (focus detection) operates at a first frame rate optimized for detecting focus state, the second block (exposure calculation) operates at a second frame rate optimized for exposure measurement, and the third block (white balance) operates at a third frame rate. This segmentation of control parameters enables precise focus detection and accurate exposure calculation simultaneously without requiring a single complex control system that manages all parameters uniformly.
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 high-precision pretreatment and enhanced usability in electronic devices by allowing for focused image processing and exposure calculation, improving responsiveness and reducing noise influence.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging region that captures an image of light entering through an optical system under a first imaging condition and generates a detection signal to perform focus detection of the optical system
Implementation Method 2
a second imaging region that captures an image of the light entering through the optical system under a second imaging condition other than the first imaging condition and generates a signal for use in exposure calculation
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes: a first imaging region that captures an image of light entering through an optical system under a first imaging condition and generates a detection signal to perform focus detection of the optical system; and a second imaging region that captures an image of the light entering through the optical system under a second imaging condition other than the first imaging condition and generates an image signal.