Image Sensor Ray Angle Detection for Non-Compatible Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to accurately acquire information about the ray angle, such as the stop value, numerical aperture, or ray angle, when an interchangeable lens with no compatibility is mounted, as they rely on communication protocols or specialized sensors that may not work for all lenses, leading to incomplete or incorrect data.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device equipped with an image sensor featuring first and second pixels with different incidence angle characteristics, along with a pixel information acquisition section, an arithmetic operator, and an information acquisition section that calculates the ratio between the outputs of these pixels to determine the ray angle information, allowing for accurate acquisition of stop values or numerical apertures even with non-compatible lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If communication protocols are used to acquire lens information, then lens information can be acquired completely for compatible lenses, but information cannot be acquired for non-compatible lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach using the image sensor to detect ray angle information. Instead of relying on direct communication between the camera body and lens, the system uses light rays passing through the lens to create patterns on the image sensor, which then serve as an intermediary to infer lens parameters like stop value and numerical aperture for non-compatible lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical communication system with an optical measurement system. By substituting the communication protocol-based information acquisition with optical ray angle measurement using the image sensor, the system can determine lens characteristics without requiring electronic communication compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If specialized sensors or communication protocols are used, then accurate ray angle information can be acquired for compatible lenses, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor serve multiple functions: its primary function of capturing images is maintained, and additionally it functions as a measurement device for determining ray angle information. This eliminates the need for specialized sensors while maintaining measurement precision, as the existing image sensor is utilized for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (the image sensor and light rays) to perform the measurement function rather than requiring external specialized devices. The image sensor essentially measures itself by detecting the pattern of light rays that pass through the lens and reach the sensor plane.
3Loss of information
If divided pixel areas with on-chip microlenses are used to detect stop value, then stop value can be detected without communication, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the standard image sensor to perform stop value detection without requiring specialized divided pixel structures or on-chip microlenses. By using the existing image sensor in conjunction with ray angle analysis, the system achieves stop value detection capability while maintaining ease of manufacture with conventional sensor technology.
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
This solution enables simple and accurate acquisition of ray angle information, enabling phase-difference autofocus without lens drive and supporting phase-difference AF for non-compatible lenses, while also allowing for automatic white balance adjustments based on real subject brightness.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor 201 including a first phase difference pixel PA and a second phase difference pixel PB having incidence angle characteristics different from incidence angle characteristics of the second phase difference pixel PB
Implementation Method 2
a first pixel and a second pixel having incidence angle characteristics different from incidence angle characteristics of the first pixel; a pixel information acquisition section that acquires an output of the first pixel of the image sensor, on which subject light is incident through the interchangeable lens mounted on the mount part, and an output of the second pixel
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an imaging device, an information acquisition method, and an information acquisition program that can simply and accurately acquire information related to a ray angle with respect to an image sensor in a case where subject light is incident on the image sensor through an interchangeable lens even though the interchangeable lens having no compatibility is mounted on the imaging device. Under focusing on the fact that a ratio between the outputs of a first phase difference pixel (PA) and a G pixel serving as a normal pixel, which are provided on an image sensor and have different incidence angle characteristics, and information related to a ray angle with respect to the image sensor, which is obtained in a case where subject light is incident on the image sensor through an interchangeable lens, have a correspondence relationship, the ratio between the outputs of the first phase difference pixel (PA) and the G pixel is calculated and an F-Number is acquired on the basis of the calculated ratio.