Blinking Signal Detection Using Pixel Charge Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image pickup devices require high-capacity storage and knowledge of blinking patterns to detect pixel units receiving optical signals, limiting their ability to specify pixel units receiving blinking signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A blinking-signal detecting device with a light receiving section of M×N pixel units, a row selecting section that sets two periods of equal temporal width to accumulate charge, and a detecting section that determines if light is a blinking signal based on the difference between data from these periods, eliminating the need for high-capacity storage and known blinking patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image data of multiple frames is stored to specify pixel units receiving optical signals, then detection accuracy is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for detection by comparing charge amounts between adjacent pixel units. Instead of storing and processing complete multi-frame image data, the system extracts differential charge information that indicates optical signal reception, thereby reducing storage requirements while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial action by conducting detection only on specific pixel units that show abnormal charge accumulation patterns. Rather than analyzing all pixel units in all frames, the system identifies and focuses on pixel units with differential charge amounts exceeding a threshold, reducing the overall data processing and storage burden.
2Reliability
If blinking pattern is known to specify pixel units receiving optical signals, then detection reliability is improved, but adaptability to unknown patterns decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service detection by enabling the system to automatically identify optical signal reception without requiring external knowledge of blinking patterns. The detection mechanism uses intrinsic charge accumulation differences between adjacent pixel units during a single integration period, allowing the system to adapt to any blinking pattern autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from temporal pattern recognition (requiring knowledge of blinking patterns) to spatial charge differential measurement (comparing adjacent pixel units). This parameter transformation enables the system to detect optical signals regardless of the specific blinking pattern, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple frames are processed to detect blinking signals, then signal detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the charge accumulation mechanism to capture differential charge information in a single integration period. The row selecting section and charge accumulating section are configured in advance to collect charge from adjacent pixel units simultaneously, eliminating the need for subsequent multi-frame processing and reducing detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the time-consuming multi-frame storage and processing steps by rushing through the detection process using a single frame's charge accumulation data. The system quickly compares charge amounts between adjacent pixel units within one integration period, achieving rapid detection without the time penalty of processing multiple frames.
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 specification of pixel units receiving blinking signals without high-capacity storage or prior knowledge of the blinking pattern, improving detection efficiency and reducing storage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving section where M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N each including a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light amount
Data Source
AI summary
A blinking-signal device 1 includes a light receiving section 10, a row selecting section 20, a readout section 30, a detecting section 40, and a control section 50. By the row selecting section 20, charge generated in its photodiode of each pixel unit P2i-1,n of the (2i−1)-th row in the light receiving section 10 is accumulated in its charge accumulating section during a first period, and charge generated in its photodiode of each pixel unit P2i,n of the 2i-th row in the light receiving section 10 is accumulated in its charge accumulating section during a second period. With the detecting section 40, it is detected whether or not light reaching the pixel units P2i-1,n and P2i,n is a blinking signal on the basis of a difference between data D2i-1,n and D2i,n of the pixel units P2i-1,n and P2i output from the readout section 30.