Grouped Pixel Readout Control for Dynamic Range Imaging Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices lack precise control over electrical charge accumulation and readout of pixel signals on a cell-by-cell basis, leading to inefficiencies in image capture and processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an imaging element with multiple groups of pixels, each equipped with dedicated signal readout units and control units that allow for individual control of exposure and readout based on evaluation values computed from pixel signals, enabling fine-tuned electrical charge accumulation and signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single control line is used for each cell in the imaging unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision over electrical charge accumulation and readout of pixel signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is divided into multiple independently controllable cell units, each with its own control line. This segmentation allows precise control of electrical charge accumulation and readout for each cell, resolving the contradiction by enabling fine-grained control without requiring a single complex control line for the entire imaging unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cell unit is equipped with dedicated control lines and signal processing circuits, allowing different control parameters (exposure time, readout timing) to be applied to different cells based on local requirements. This local differentiation enables precise control for each cell while maintaining overall system manageability.
2Measurement precision
If electrical charge accumulation and readout are controlled on a cell-by-cell basis, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging sensor is divided into multiple cell units, each with independent control capabilities. This segmentation allows precise cell-by-cell control while distributing the complexity across modular units rather than requiring a single complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
Control lines are pre-configured for each cell unit during manufacturing, establishing the control infrastructure in advance. This preliminary setup enables precise cell-by-cell control operation without requiring complex real-time control logic during image capture.
3Measurement precision
If multiple control units are provided for each group of pixels, then the control precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is divided into groups of pixels with dedicated control units, creating modular repeating structures. This segmentation enables standardized manufacturing processes where each group can be produced using the same techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the presence of multiple control units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple tasks (exposure control, readout control, signal processing) for its associated pixel group. This multi-functionality reduces the number of specialized components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise control capabilities.
4Manufacturing precision
If differential electrical charge accumulation periods are applied across pixel groups, then the image quality is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pixel groups are segmented into different regions with independently controllable exposure times. This allows differential electrical charge accumulation periods to be applied to different groups, improving image quality for specific regions (e.g., high-light or low-light areas) while keeping processing manageable through regional control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different exposure and readout parameters are applied to different pixel groups based on local imaging conditions. This local optimization improves overall image quality by tailoring capture parameters to specific scene requirements in different regions, with processing complexity managed through the modular group structure.
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 allows for improved image quality by enabling differential electrical charge accumulation and readout periods across pixel groups, enhancing frame rates and dynamic range, and reducing power consumption and processing loads.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of photo diodes PDs are two-dimensionally disposed and accumulate electrical charges according to incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element comprising: an imaging unit that has: a plurality of groups each including at least one pixel; and a plurality of signal readout units that are each provided to each of the groups and read out a signal from the pixel; and a control unit that controls the signal readout unit in at least one group among the plurality of groups is provided. Each of the plurality of groups may include a plurality of the pixels. The control unit may select at least one group among the plurality of groups and control the signal readout unit by using a control parameter that is different from a control parameter that is used for another group among the plurality of groups.