CMOS Sensor Offset Correction via Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly accurate correction processing for pixel signals in CMOS sensors is challenging due to increased number of rows and vertical signal lines, making existing offset correction methods less effective.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion device with a pixel unit, driving unit, calculation unit, and correction unit that calculates and updates correction values based on pixel values from different regions, allowing for precise offset correction of pixel values based on incident light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of rows and vertical signal lines is increased to improve image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and correction processing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into a first region with pixels driven by a first method and a second region with pixels driven by a second method. This segmentation allows independent correction processing for each region, simplifying the overall correction task while maintaining high precision for the large-number sensor configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different driving methods are applied to different regions, creating distinct operational parameters. The calculation unit exploits these parameter differences to generate and update correction components, enabling precise offset correction adapted to each region's specific characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If existing offset correction methods are used in high-resolution sensors, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The correction components are dynamically updated using pixel values from both the first and second regions. The calculation unit continuously refines correction values based on actual sensor performance, enabling high precision correction without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor uses its own pixel values from different regions to generate and update correction components. This self-service approach enables precise correction processing without external intervention or complex manufacturing, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving precision.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of OB regions are used to improve correction accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pixel values from both the first region (with first driving method) and the second region (with second driving method) are utilized for correction processing. This multi-functional use of different pixel regions enables high-precision correction without requiring a large number of dedicated OB regions, reducing device 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 high-precision offset correction without requiring a large number of OB regions, reducing noise and adapting to vertical shading, thus improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a calculation unit configured to calculate an initial value of each of a plurality of first correction components based on a first pixel value read out from the first region, update each of the plurality of the first correction components based on a second pixel value read out from the second region and a predetermined second correction component, and calculate the correction value using the updated first correction component and the second correction component.