CMOS Image Sensor Binning for Multiple Bio-Signal Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CMOS image sensors face a trade-off between temporal and spatial resolution when measuring bio-signals, necessitating a method to efficiently control both resolutions for high temporal and spatial resolution requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a CMOS image sensor with a pixel binning unit and a binning pattern generator to dynamically adjust binning sizes based on specific bio-signal requirements, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of multiple bio-signals with varying resolutions through alternating binning patterns and interpolation for missing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If binning is used to increase signal-to-noise ratio, then spatial resolution is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic binning control where the binning size is adjusted in real-time based on the specific bio-signal measurement requirements. The system can switch between different binning modes (e.g., 1x1, 2x2, 4x4) to optimize between spatial resolution and temporal resolution, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the binning parameter dynamically to resolve the contradiction. By modifying the binning size parameter according to different measurement needs, the system can achieve high signal-to-noise ratio when needed while maintaining high temporal resolution when required, thus resolving the fixed trade-off between these two parameters.
2Speed
If binning is used to reduce data amount, then temporal resolution is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts binning size based on whether temporal or spatial resolution is prioritized for different bio-signal types. For signals requiring high temporal resolution, larger binning is applied to reduce data amount and increase sampling rate. For signals requiring high spatial resolution, smaller binning is used to maintain detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The binning parameter is changed dynamically according to the specific measurement requirements. This allows the system to optimize the balance between temporal resolution and spatial resolution by adjusting the binning size parameter, rather than being constrained by a fixed trade-off.
3Measurement precision
If high temporal resolution and high spatial resolution are required simultaneously, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into different binning groups that can be controlled independently. This allows different regions or sets of pixels to use different binning configurations simultaneously, enabling high temporal and spatial resolution for different bio-signal measurements without requiring the entire system to operate at maximum complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The binning control unit is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of handling various binning configurations and switching between them based on measurement requirements. This single unit performs multiple functions (controlling different binning sizes, switching between modes, coordinating with different bio-signal types) rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function.
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 efficient measurement of multiple bio-signals with high temporal and spatial resolution by dynamically controlling binning sizes, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of bio-signal detection.
Implementation Method 1
A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (CIS) is a device that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for measuring bio-signals is provided. According to an example embodiment, the apparatus for measuring bio-signals includes: a light source configured to emit light onto an object; an image sensor including: a pixel array configured to detect the light emitted by the light source and reacted by the object and a pixel binning unit configured to bin data of the light, detected by the pixel array, by using at least two different binning sizes; and a processor configured to acquire a plurality of bio-signals respectively based on data of the at least two different binning sizes, which are output from the image sensor.