18602902. IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
TORU Matsumoto of Kanagawa (JP)
IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18602902 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.
- The image sensor has focus detection pixels that capture signals based on light passing through different pupil regions.
- A movement control unit adjusts the position of light fluxes on the sensor.
- A focus detection unit analyzes the pair of focus detection signals for phase difference focus detection.
- The movement control unit moves the incident positions multiple times during exposure to acquire the signals.
- The movement creates a point spread function with three or more peaks or a rectangular shape.
Key Features and Innovation:
- Utilizes focus detection pixels for parallax-based focus detection.
- Movement control unit adjusts light flux positions on the sensor.
- Implements phase difference focus detection using acquired signals.
- Movement during exposure enhances focus detection accuracy.
- Point spread function shape aids in precise focus detection.
Potential Applications:
- Digital cameras
- Smartphone cameras
- Surveillance systems
- Medical imaging devices
Problems Solved:
- Improving focus detection accuracy
- Enhancing image sharpness
- Minimizing focus errors in photography
Benefits:
- Increased focus accuracy
- Sharper images
- Reduced focus errors
- Enhanced image quality
Commercial Applications: The technology can be applied in various industries such as photography, surveillance, medical imaging, and consumer electronics, leading to improved image quality and focus accuracy in products like cameras, smartphones, and medical devices.
Prior Art: Readers interested in prior art related to this technology can explore patents and research papers on phase difference focus detection, parallax-based focus systems, and image sensor technologies.
Frequently Updated Research: Researchers are continually exploring advancements in focus detection technologies, image sensor designs, and algorithms for improving focus accuracy in digital imaging devices.
Questions about Image Capturing Apparatus: 1. How does the movement control unit enhance focus detection accuracy? 2. What are the potential commercial applications of this technology in the medical imaging field?
Original Abstract Submitted
An image capturing apparatus comprising: 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 are arranged; 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 periodically moves the incident positions a plurality of cycles during an exposure period for acquiring the pair of focus detection signals, and a point spread function of the movement in a the phase difference detection direction has three or more peaks or has a rectangular shape.
