High Dynamic Range Imaging Device Row Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to capture high dynamic range images effectively, as they often saturate in bright areas while failing to detect dim light sources, due to limitations in selecting appropriate integration periods and reset mechanisms, leading to reduced accuracy and increased noise in varying lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a high dynamic range imaging device that uses row parallel processing to conditionally reset pixels based on light-induced charge, allowing for individual selection of integration periods for each pixel, enabling accurate detection of both bright and dim light sources within the same scene by adjusting the optical gain and threshold settings dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integration period is used for all pixels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to saturation in bright areas and failure to detect dim light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging array into multiple segments, each capable of independent integration period selection. Pixels are grouped into regions that can be independently controlled with different integration periods, allowing simultaneous capture of both bright and dim light sources without requiring complex per-pixel control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the imaging array are assigned different integration periods based on local lighting conditions. Bright regions use shorter integration periods to avoid saturation, while dim regions use longer integration periods to enhance detection, optimizing measurement precision locally without uniform complexity across the entire device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple integration periods are available for each pixel, then the dynamic range is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional reset mechanisms and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic integration period selection where the system automatically adapts the integration period based on real-time scene analysis. The control mechanism dynamically adjusts integration periods across different regions without requiring manual intervention or complex pre-programming, achieving high adaptability through automated dynamic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from preliminary scene analysis to automatically determine appropriate integration periods for different regions. The control mechanism receives feedback about light levels and automatically configures the imaging parameters, reducing the need for complex manual control logic while expanding dynamic range capabilities.
3Reliability
If conditional reset of pixels is performed, then the noise is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to additional processing time required for each pixel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies conditional reset to segmented regions rather than individual pixels, reducing the total number of reset operations required. By grouping pixels into regions that share similar lighting characteristics, the system maintains signal quality through selective reset while minimizing the processing overhead associated with evaluating each pixel individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs conditional reset only on regions where it is necessary to maintain signal quality, rather than applying reset uniformly across the entire imaging array. This partial action approach reduces noise in critical regions while minimizing the productivity loss associated with comprehensive reset operations.
4Productivity
If row parallel processing is used for conditional reset, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to parallel processing circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conditional reset functionality with the existing row parallel readout circuitry, merging multiple functions into shared hardware resources. By utilizing the same parallel processing infrastructure for both readout and reset operations, the system achieves high productivity without adding separate dedicated reset circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The row parallel processing circuit is designed to serve multiple functions, including both image readout and conditional reset operations. This multi-functional approach enables fast reset operations through parallel processing while avoiding the need for additional specialized circuitry, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 significantly enhances the dynamic range of the imaging device, allowing for accurate detection of light levels across a wide range without exposure adjustments, reducing noise and saturation, and maintaining high resolution over a vast light level range, thereby improving image quality in diverse lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an indication of the integrated light induced charge on the pixel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to improved imaging devices having high dynamic range and to monitoring and automatic control systems incorporating the improved imaging devices.