Event Imaging Pixel Timing to Reduce Detection Dead Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Asynchronous solid-state imaging devices experience delays and dead zones in event signal detection due to synchronized detection cycles, leading to inefficiencies in detecting changes in incident light.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control unit that manages different timing for event detection periods across pixel groups within the solid-state imaging device, allowing for parallel execution of on and off event signal detection, even when certain pixel groups are in reset or read periods, thereby reducing dead zones and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If synchronized detection cycles are used for all pixels, then the detection circuit can be simplified and controlled uniformly, but dead zones arise where event signal detection cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each group operates with a different detection cycle timing. This segmentation allows different regions to be at different stages of their detection cycles simultaneously, ensuring that when one group is in a dead zone, another group is actively detecting events, thus eliminating overall dead zones while maintaining simplified individual circuit control
2Device complexity
If a single detection cycle is used for all pixels, then the control mechanism is simplified, but event signal detection is delayed until the next detection period
Solution Approach 1:
Different pixel groups are assigned different periodic detection cycles that are phase-shifted relative to each other. This creates a continuous sequence of detection opportunities across the entire sensor array, reducing the maximum detection delay from one full cycle to a fraction of a cycle, while each individual pixel group still follows a simple periodic pattern
3Ease of operation
If all pixels execute detection simultaneously, then the control logic is straightforward, but dead zone periods occur when detection is not performed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple pixel groups that operate in a segmented fashion with staggered timing. Each group maintains simple control logic with its own detection cycle, but the groups are timed so that their dead zones do not overlap, creating continuous detection coverage across the entire sensor while keeping individual control logic simple
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 effectively shortens dead zones and enhances the accuracy of event signal detection by ensuring continuous monitoring of light changes across the imaging device, even when individual pixel groups are not actively detecting events.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving portion that photoelectrically converts incident light to generate an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object to extend event signal detection periods. An imaging device according to the present technology includes a solid-state imaging device including a plurality of pixels each including a light-receiving portion that photoelectrically converts incident light to generate an electrical signal and a detection circuit that executes event signal detection by comparing the amount of change in the electrical signal generated by the light-receiving portion with a predetermined threshold value to obtain a detection result, and a control unit that performs control so that different pixels have different timing for an event detection period to cause the detection circuit to execute the event signal detection.