Solid-State Image Pickup Apparatus Adaptive Readout Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state image pickup apparatuses face challenges in operating effectively across multiple imaging modes due to varying configurations and operations, leading to suboptimal performance in different imaging scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image pickup apparatus with a photodetecting section of M×N pixel units, including readout switches and a controlling section that manages the readout of charges, allowing for two imaging modes: a first mode with standard output and a second mode with reduced readout pixel pitch, higher frame rate, and increased gain, enabling flexible operation across different imaging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the solid-state image pickup apparatus uses a fixed configuration for reading out charges from all pixel units, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus cannot adapt to different imaging modes requiring different readout parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the readout system by enabling the controlling section to adjust readout parameters (such as readout pixel pitch, frame rate, and gain) based on the selected imaging mode. The readout switch and signal readout section can dynamically reconfigure their operation to match different imaging requirements, transforming a static system into an adaptive one that optimizes performance for each mode without requiring multiple dedicated systems.
2Productivity
If the apparatus reads out charges from all M×N pixel units in every imaging mode, then complete image data is obtained, but the frame rate decreases and readout time increases for modes requiring higher speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the M×N pixel units into different readout groups or regions based on the imaging mode. The controlling section can selectively activate and read out charges from specific subsets of pixel units (e.g., only certain rows or columns) when high frame rate is required, while maintaining the capability to read out all pixel units when complete image data is needed. This segmented approach allows flexible trade-off between readout speed and data completeness.
3Measurement precision
If the gain is kept constant across all imaging modes, then the signal readout section operates simply, but the output voltage values are not optimized for different imaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the controlling section to dynamically adjust the gain of the signal readout section according to the selected imaging mode. Different imaging modes can have optimized gain values tailored to their specific requirements (e.g., higher gain for low-light modes, lower gain for bright conditions). This parameter adjustment optimizes the conversion from charge to voltage for each mode while maintaining a single unified readout section.
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
The apparatus can operate favorably in each of the multiple imaging modes, ensuring optimal performance and adaptability by adjusting readout parameters and gain settings based on the specific imaging requirements.
Implementation Method 1
each of the pixel units including a photodiode and a readout switch connected with the photodiode, the photodiode generating charges corresponding to an intensity of an incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup apparatus 1A includes a photodetecting section 10A and a signal readout section 20 etc. In the photodetecting section 10A, M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N are arrayed in M rows and N columns. When in a first imaging mode, a voltage value according to an amount of charges generated in a photodiode of each of the M×N pixel units in the photodetecting section 10A is output from the signal readout section 20. When in a second imaging mode, a voltage value according to an amount of charges generated in the photodiode of each pixel unit included in consecutive M1 rows in the photodetecting section 10A is output from the signal readout section 20. When in the second imaging mode than when in the first imaging mode, the readout pixel pitch in frame data is smaller, the frame rate is higher, and the gain being a ratio of an output voltage value to an input charge amount in the signal readout section 20 is greater.