Imaging Sensor Signal Accumulation Control for Concurrent Still and Video Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concurrently capturing high-quality moving images and still images with existing imaging apparatuses often results in a 'riffing' feeling during frame-by-frame playback due to differences in exposure times, which can be mitigated by setting accumulation times, but this requires precise control to maintain image quality.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a control unit that determines the number of signal charge accumulations for generating a second image based on the accumulation time of the first image, using two signal retention portions within the image sensor to achieve concurrent capture of moving and still images without compromising signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the accumulation time is set close to one frame period (1/30s or 1/60s) to prevent riffling feeling in moving image playback, then the moving image quality is improved, but the still image sharpness deteriorates because a long exposure time cannot capture a stopped image effect
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two distinct signal retention portions: a first signal retention portion for accumulating signal charges for a predetermined period (moving images) and a second signal retention portion for accumulating signal charges for a shorter period (still images). This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between moving image quality and still image sharpness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the image sensor (first and second signal retention portions) are given different accumulation time characteristics tailored to their specific purposes. The first signal retention portion uses longer accumulation times suitable for moving images, while the second uses shorter accumulation times for sharp still images, allowing each local region to have the quality characteristics it needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If the accumulation time is set to a short period (about 1/1000s) to achieve stop motion effect in still images, then the still image sharpness is improved, but the moving image quality deteriorates because it causes a riffling feeling during playback
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two distinct signal retention portions: a first signal retention portion for accumulating signal charges for a predetermined period (moving images) and a second signal retention portion for accumulating signal charges for a shorter period (still images). This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between moving image quality and still image sharpness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the image sensor (first and second signal retention portions) are given different accumulation time characteristics tailored to their specific purposes. The first signal retention portion uses longer accumulation times suitable for moving images, while the second uses shorter accumulation times for sharp still images, allowing each local region to have the quality characteristics it needs.
3Reliability
If two image sensors are used (one for moving images and one for still images) to capture both concurrently, then the image quality for both types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate image sensors into a single image sensor by providing two signal retention portions within the same sensor structure. This merging maintains the ability to capture both moving images and still images concurrently with appropriate exposure times while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for two separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
A single image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both a first signal retention portion for moving images and a second signal retention portion for still images. This multi-functional design allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require two separate sensors, reducing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If an image sensor is provided with different photoelectric conversion portions for moving images and still images, then the image quality for both types is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate image sensors into a single image sensor by providing two signal retention portions within the same sensor structure. This merging maintains the ability to capture both moving images and still images concurrently with appropriate exposure times while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for two separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
A single image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both a first signal retention portion for moving images and a second signal retention portion for still images. This multi-functional design allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require two separate sensors, reducing overall system complexity.
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 the simultaneous acquisition of high-quality moving and still images with appropriate exposure, preventing the 'riffing' feeling in frame-by-frame playback by optimizing accumulation times and signal transfer operations.
Implementation Method 1
transferring electric charges obtained by conversion by a photoelectric conversion portion to an accumulation portion a plurality of times and collectively accumulating the electric charges transferred a plurality of times
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to acquire a first image and a second image which is generated by performing accumulation of signal charges a plurality of times in one image capturing period, and a control unit configured to control accumulation of signal charges which is performed by the imaging unit. The control unit determines a number of times of accumulation of signal charges for generating the second image according to an accumulation time of signal charges for generating the first image.