Differential Pixel Readout for High-Speed Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-of-flight camera systems face limitations in achieving high-speed, accurate, and dynamic range imaging due to the conventional method of reading differential signals from imaging pixels, which restricts their operational flexibility and noise reduction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The camera system reads two single-ended signals from each differential imaging pixel, allowing for various processing modes such as compression, confidence determination, and offset/gain error correction, enabling higher speed, accuracy, and dynamic range imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional differential signal reading is used from imaging pixels, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the differential pixel into two separate single-ended pixels, allowing independent control and reading of each pixel's charge accumulation. This segmentation enables flexible processing modes (e.g., using only one pixel for high-speed imaging or both pixels for high-accuracy differential measurement) while maintaining the ability to achieve high measurement precision through selective reading and processing of the segmented signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If differential signals are read directly, then device complexity is lower, but adaptability for different imaging modes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to switch between different operational modes (e.g., single-ended mode, differential mode, high-speed mode, high-accuracy mode) based on imaging requirements. The controller dynamically selects which pixel(s) to read and how to process the signals, enabling the same hardware to adapt to varying performance requirements without requiring multiple dedicated circuits for each mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single ended signals are read from differential pixels, then adaptability and processing flexibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the readout circuit universal by designing it to handle both single-ended and differential signal modes using the same hardware components. The controller can configure the readout circuit to read from one pixel or both pixels, and the same circuitry supports multiple processing modes including compression, confidence determination, and offset/gain correction, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
4Measurement precision
If multiple single ended signals are read and processed, then imaging accuracy and dynamic range improve, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing actions at the pixel level before data transmission to external systems. Operations such as compression, confidence value determination, and offset/gain correction are executed locally during the readout process, reducing the amount and complexity of data that needs to be processed externally while maintaining high imaging accuracy.
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 enhances the system's flexibility and performance by allowing operation in multiple modes, improving image quality and reducing noise, while also enabling efficient data processing and transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor to image light reflected by the subject
Implementation Method 2
resolve the distance between the camera and an object by measuring the round trip of light emitted from the ToF camera system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for a camera system that includes an imaging sensor having differential type imaging pixels. The camera system is configured to read two, single ended signals from each differential pixel, rather than one differential signal. The camera system can be configured to process those single ended signals in one or more different ways in order to determine different types of image and/or to achieve particular desired performance, such as higher speed, more accurate imaging, higher dynamic range imaging, lower noise imaging, etc.