Image Sensor Control Unit Flicker Detection Mode Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image capturing devices face challenges in capturing images without blur in low-light environments due to flicker caused by fluorescent light sources, which can result in uneven exposure and require high-speed frame rates for detection.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a sensor and control unit that operates in both live-view and flicker detection modes, allowing for simultaneous control of charge accumulation and resetting, enabling efficient flicker detection without stopping live-view display by alternating between different pixel row reading intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-speed frame rate (600 fps or higher) is used for flicker detection, then flicker detection precision is improved, but power consumption increases and live-view display is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into two groups: first pixel rows used for live-view display and second pixel rows used for flicker detection. This segmentation allows the sensor to perform high-speed flicker detection using only a portion of the pixel rows, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between live-view mode and flicker detection mode. During flicker detection, the sensor operates at high frame rate for a predetermined period, then returns to normal live-view mode. This periodic action enables accurate flicker detection while minimizing power consumption and display interruption time
2Measurement precision
If high-speed frame rate (600 fps or higher) is used for flicker detection, then flicker detection precision is improved, but live-view display interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting pixel rows into first and second groups, the patent enables parallel operation where live-view display continues using first pixel rows while flicker detection simultaneously uses second pixel rows, eliminating display interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically switches to flicker detection mode for a predetermined short period, then immediately returns to live-view mode. This periodic action ensures that even when display interruption occurs, it is limited to minimal time while maintaining detection accuracy
3Speed
If all pixel rows are used for flicker detection, then flicker detection speed is improved, but live-view display quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into first pixel rows dedicated to live-view display and second pixel rows dedicated to flicker detection. This allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining live-view quality while enabling fast flicker detection
Solution Approach 2:
Both first and second pixel rows are part of the same sensor array and can be controlled through unified timing signals. The sensor structure itself serves multiple functions: live-view display and flicker detection, without requiring separate hardware systems
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 effective flicker detection and image capture in low-light conditions without interrupting live-view mode, improving exposure control and reducing power consumption by optimizing pixel row reading and charge accumulation times.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor including a pixel unit in which a plurality of unit pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element is arranged
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a sensor including a pixel unit in which a plurality of unit pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element is arranged in a column direction and a row direction, and a control unit configured to transmit a control signal containing a period signal for controlling driving of the sensor, wherein the control unit transmits, to the sensor, the control signal for driving a first driving mode, in which a pixel row in the pixel unit is read at a predetermined interval, and a second driving mode, in which a pixel row that is not read in the first driving mode is read at a predetermined interval, and wherein the control unit performs control in such a manner that the second driving mode is driven a plurality of times during one period for transmitting the period signal for driving the first driving mode.