18599369. IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
MASATO Nakata of Kanagawa (JP)
IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18599369 titled 'IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes an image capturing apparatus that uses focus detection pixels to acquire focus detection signals with parallax, allowing for phase difference focus detection.
Key Features and Innovation:
- Image sensor with focus detection pixels for acquiring focus detection signals with parallax.
- Movement control unit to move light flux positions on the sensor.
- Focus detection unit for phase difference focus detection using the acquired signals.
- Movement control unit moves light flux positions in different amplitudes during exposure for signal acquisition.
Potential Applications: This technology can be used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other imaging devices to improve autofocus capabilities and image quality.
Problems Solved: This technology addresses the challenge of accurate and fast autofocus in imaging devices by utilizing parallax-based focus detection signals.
Benefits:
- Improved autofocus performance.
- Enhanced image quality.
- Better focus accuracy in various lighting conditions.
Commercial Applications: The technology can be applied in the consumer electronics industry for digital cameras, smartphones, and other imaging devices to enhance their autofocus capabilities, leading to better image quality and user experience.
Prior Art: Prior art related to this technology may include patents or research papers on phase difference focus detection, parallax-based focus detection, and autofocus systems in imaging devices.
Frequently Updated Research: Researchers may be exploring advancements in focus detection technology, improvements in autofocus algorithms, and the integration of focus detection pixels in image sensors for enhanced performance.
Questions about Image Capturing Apparatus: 1. How does the movement control unit improve focus detection in the image sensor? 2. What are the potential implications of using parallax-based focus detection signals in imaging devices?
Original Abstract Submitted
An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor with a plurality of pixels including focus detection pixels that output signals so as to be able to acquire a pair of focus detection signals having parallax based on light fluxes that have passed through mutually different pupil regions of an imaging optical system; a movement control unit that moves incident positions of the light fluxes on the image sensor; and a focus detection unit that performs phase difference focus detection using the pair of focus detection signals. The movement control unit moves the incident positions in a phase difference detection direction a plurality of cycles during an exposure period for acquiring the pair of focus detection signals, and the plurality of cycles of movement includes movement with a first amplitude and movement with a second amplitude different from the first amplitude.
