Dual-Counter Range-Gated Imaging for Multi-Distance Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional range gate cameras require multiple memory units for each pixel to image multiple target distance ranges, leading to increased power consumption and noise, especially in dark environments, and are inefficient in capturing multiple distance ranges without excessive pulsed light emissions.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a photoelectric conversion element having pixels with dual counters and memories, and a switch circuit to alternate counting operations for different distance ranges using a single light emission, synchronized with light emission timing to reduce power consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple memory units are provided for each pixel to image multiple target distance ranges, then the ability to capture multiple distance ranges is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions, each region dedicated to capturing a specific distance range. This segmentation allows the system to image multiple distance ranges without requiring multiple memory units per pixel, as each region's data is stored in separate memory areas during sequential exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sequential exposure for different distance ranges by periodically switching between regions and memory units. The exposure timing is synchronized with pulsed light emission at predetermined cycles, allowing multiple distance ranges to be captured through periodic alternating exposure rather than simultaneous multi-memory operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple memory units are provided for each pixel to image multiple target distance ranges, then the ability to capture multiple distance ranges is improved, but noise increases especially in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into regions and using sequential exposure with synchronized pulsed light, the system reduces the need for continuous multi-memory operations that amplify noise. Each region captures data for a specific distance range with optimized exposure timing, reducing noise accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
Sequential exposure synchronized with periodic pulsed light emission allows the system to capture multiple distance ranges while minimizing noise. The periodic timing ensures that each exposure occurs at optimal moments with sufficient light input, avoiding the noise amplification that would occur with continuous or unsynchronized multi-memory operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If pulsed light is re-emitted multiple times to image three or more target distance ranges, then the ability to capture multiple distance ranges is improved, but the number of pulsed light emissions increases leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple regions that can be exposed sequentially during a single pulsed light emission cycle. This allows three or more distance ranges to be captured without re-emitting the pulsed light multiple times, as each region captures data for a different distance range simultaneously during one light emission event
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching between regions synchronized with the pulsed light emission cycle. Within each light emission period, the system alternates exposure between regions to capture multiple distance ranges, eliminating the need for multiple light emission cycles and reducing overall power consumption
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 clear imaging of multiple distance ranges with reduced power consumption and noise, particularly effective in adverse weather conditions, by optimizing light exposure and counting processes.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion element having a plurality of pixels, in which each pixel includes: a sensor unit that generates pulses in response to incident photons
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting unit that illuminates a subject
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a photoelectric conversion element having a plurality of pixels, each pixel comprising a sensor unit configured to generate pulses in response to incident photons; a first counter and a second counter configured to count the pulses; a first memory and a second memory configured to store count values from the respective counters; a switch circuit configured to switch the connection between the sensor unit and either of the counters; a light emitting unit configured to illuminate a subject; and a control unit configured to control the switch circuit so that, based on a single emission of light by the light emitting unit, reflected light from the subject in a first distance range is counted by the first counter and reflected light from the subject in a second distance range is counted by the second counter.