Image Sensor Signal Readout Region Control for Focus Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing apparatuses do not adequately consider system load and electrical power consumption when setting distance information acquisition regions for focus adjustment, leading to inefficient processing and power usage.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a readout unit, setting unit, first information acquisition unit, evaluation information acquisition unit, and control unit that sets and controls the signal readout region based on focus state and object detection requirements to optimize signal processing load and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all image signals from pupil-divided pixels are read out for focus adjustment, then detection accuracy is improved, but data amount doubles and processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensor pixels into multiple regions: a distance information acquisition region for focus adjustment and other regions for normal image capture. This segmentation allows selective readout of only necessary pixels for focus detection, reducing data amount while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different regions of the image sensor. The distance information acquisition region uses full-resolution pupil-divided pixel data for accurate focus detection, while other regions can use lower resolution or different processing, optimizing overall system performance.
2Reliability
If the distance information acquisition region is expanded to improve object detection, then detection coverage is improved, but system load and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the distance information acquisition region based on detected objects and shooting conditions. The control unit determines the region size and position in real-time, expanding it only when objects are detected that require focus adjustment, thereby reducing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from object detection results to control the distance information acquisition region. The control unit monitors detection accuracy and shooting conditions, then adjusts the region configuration accordingly, optimizing the balance between detection reliability and power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance information acquisition region is changed according to shooting conditions, then detection adaptability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes multiple distance information acquisition region configurations that correspond to different shooting conditions. The control unit selects from these pre-defined configurations based on detected objects and conditions, avoiding the need for complex real-time region calculation while maintaining adaptability.
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 approach allows for efficient setting of distance information acquisition regions, reducing system load and power consumption while maintaining accurate focus adjustment and object detection, even under varying shooting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
focus detection based on the phase difference of image signals acquired by an image sensor that has pupil-divided pixels using a microlens
Implementation Method 2
each pupil-divided pixel receives, via the microlens, light beams that have passed through different pupil regions of an imaging optical system
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus reads out a signal from pixels of an image sensor, sets a region in which a plurality of signals having different viewpoints are read out from each pixel of the image sensor, acquires first depth information for detecting an object using a signal read out from a first signal readout region, acquires evaluation information for detecting a focus state of an object using a read signal, and controls a signal readout amount of the first signal readout region based on the focus state determined based on the evaluation information.