Segmented Image Sensor for Wide Dynamic Range Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses with stacked image sensors have limited usability due to the lack of effective image capture capabilities on multiple-block bases, hindering accurate metering and light source determination.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with an image sensor that captures images in multiple regions under different conditions, utilizing a control unit to manage image capture settings across these regions, allowing for varied image capture parameters such as charge accumulation time, frame rate, and gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stacked image sensor with multiple blocks is used, then image capture capability is improved, but metering accuracy and light source determination capability deteriorate due to insufficient utilization of multiple blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple blocks (first block, second block, third block, fourth block) with different image capture conditions. The metering region is specifically segmented within the first block to perform accurate metering and light source determination, while other blocks capture images under varied conditions (different exposure times, gain settings, or regions of interest) to enhance overall adaptability and image quality.
2Measurement precision
If images are captured in a single region under multiple image capture conditions, then metering accuracy and light source determination are improved, but image capture efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple blocks that can operate simultaneously under different image capture conditions. The first block is dedicated to metering and light source determination, while other blocks (second, third, fourth blocks) capture images with different parameters (exposure time, gain, or region of interest) in parallel, maintaining efficiency while enabling accurate metering.
Solution Approach 2:
Metering and light source determination are performed in advance using the first block before final image capture. This preliminary action allows the system to optimize exposure settings and determine appropriate light sources for subsequent image capture in other blocks, improving both accuracy and efficiency by avoiding repeated measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capture conditions are applied to different blocks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked image sensor structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the first block performs metering and light source determination, while other blocks capture images under different conditions. This multi-functional design allows a single sensor device to handle diverse imaging scenarios (different lighting conditions, exposure requirements, and regions of interest) without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function.
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 accurate image capture with a wide dynamic range and improved light source determination, enhancing the usability of electronic apparatuses by allowing for precise exposure control across multiple image capture conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that can receive a light beam from a subject in a first region and a second region and capture images
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera includes an image sensor that can receive a light beam from a subject in a first region (one block) and a second region (another block) and capture images in the first region and second region on different conditions and a control unit that controls image capture by applying multiple image capture conditions to a first process at least in the first region.