Column Averaging Row Binning Circuit for Image Sensor Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
CMOS image sensors face challenges in maintaining high image quality and spatial resolution, especially in low light conditions, due to pixel sub-sampling methods that result in lost image information and poor quality images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a photo-sensor image resolution adjustment apparatus that employs column averaging and row binning techniques to adjust the resolution of CMOS active pixel sensors, using a Bayer patterned pixel array to average light conversion electrical signals from columns and bins signals from rows in low light conditions, thereby enhancing spatial resolution and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pixel sub-sampling is used to reduce resolution and increase frame rate, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pixel signals through analog column averaging, where signals from multiple pixels are merged and averaged in the analog domain before digital conversion. This merging approach maintains higher effective resolution by utilizing information from multiple pixels while reducing the output data rate, thereby improving frame rate without proportionally losing spatial resolution information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an analog averaging circuit as an intermediary between the pixel array and the digital processing stage. This intermediary performs column averaging in the analog domain, acting as a mediator that reduces the number of signals requiring digital processing while preserving spatial information through analog signal combination, thus improving productivity without completely sacrificing measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If analog column averaging circuit is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the averaging function from complex digital processing and implements it in the analog domain using simplified circuitry. By taking out the computational burden from the digital stage and performing it analogously through straightforward averaging circuits, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining measurement precision through proper analog signal combination before digitization.
3Device complexity
If on-chip memory is eliminated, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous analog column averaging where pixel signals are continuously combined and averaged in the analog domain as they are read out, eliminating the need for discrete memory storage steps. This continuous processing maintains image information integrity by performing real-time averaging without interruption or discretization that would require memory intervention, thus reducing device complexity while preventing information loss.
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
This approach achieves high spatial resolution and image quality in both high and low light environments by simplifying the analog column sample and hold circuit, reducing pixel output rate, and eliminating the need for additional on-chip memory, while allowing scalability to any pixel array decimation ratio.
Implementation Method 1
An array of image photo-sensors organized in columns and rows and having multiple sensor types arranged in a pattern such as a Bayer pattern to convert light to light conversion electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A photo-sensor image resolution adjustment apparatus is in communication with an array of image photo-sensors that are organized in columns and rows and have multiple sensor types arranged in a pattern such as a Bayer pattern to detect light. The photo-sensor image resolution adjustment apparatus has a photo-sensor array decimation circuit to partition the array of image photo-sensors into a plurality of sub-groups. A column averaging circuit averages the light conversion electrical signals from common color photo-sensors within the sub-groups. A row averaging circuit averages the common color adjacent light conversion electrical signals from color adjacent rows within the sub-groups in high light intensity condition. In low light conditions, a row binning circuit integrates the common color adjacent light conversion electrical signals from color adjacent rows within the sub-groups.