Event-Detection Pixel Array With Dual-Resolution ADCs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Asynchronous solid-state imaging elements, which generate data faster than synchronous ones, face challenges in producing high-quality images due to limited two-bit data output, leading to degraded image quality compared to synchronous elements, and increasing size, parts count, and cost when attempting to generate higher-quality images.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging element with a pixel array section featuring specific pixels equipped with two analog-digital converters, allowing for different digital signal resolutions, and additional components like photoelectric conversion, current-voltage conversion, charge accumulation, and transistors to enhance image data processing and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If asynchronous solid-state imaging element with address event detection is used, then data generation speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to limited two-bit data output
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into first pixels and second pixels with different functional configurations. First pixels are equipped with both address event detection circuits and high-resolution analog-to-digital converters, while second pixels use only single-bit analog-to-digital converters. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high-speed address event detection and high-quality image capture without requiring all pixels to have complex dual-converter structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different functional qualities based on their intended use. The first pixels (where address events need to be detected) are equipped with dual converter functionality, while the second pixels (for general high-quality imaging) are optimized for high-resolution data output. This local differentiation optimizes overall system performance by placing complex functionality only where needed.
2Measurement precision
If both asynchronous and synchronous solid-state imaging elements are provided to generate high-quality images while detecting address events, then image quality is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel in the array is designed with universal functionality to perform both address event detection and high-quality image capture. By integrating both capabilities into a single pixel structure with configurable converter pathways, the system eliminates the need for separate asynchronous and synchronous imaging elements, reducing device size and parts count while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the previously separate asynchronous address event detection circuit and synchronous high-resolution analog-to-digital converter into a unified pixel structure. The first pixels combine both conversion pathways, allowing the system to achieve both fast event detection and high-quality imaging through a single integrated device rather than multiple separate components.
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 the capture of high-quality images while detecting address events by converting analog signals into digital signals with varying resolutions, reducing noise, and improving reliability, thus overcoming the limitations of asynchronous and synchronous imaging elements.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode that performs photoelectric conversion on light
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state imaging element that detects address events captures high-quality images. The solid-state imaging element includes a pixel array section that has a plurality of pixels including a specific pixel arranged in a two-dimensional lattice pattern. The specific pixel includes a pixel circuit and two analog-digital converters. The pixel circuit outputs two analog signals proportional to an amount of charge produced by photoelectric conversion. The analog-digital converters convert the respective two analog signals into digital signals with different resolutions.