Solid-State Image Pickup Dynamic Range via Selective Signal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image pickup devices face challenges in increasing dynamic range while using low-capacity storage units, as they require multiple signal readings and combinations, leading to increased memory capacity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A physical quantity detection system that reads signals from pixels multiple times with varying sensitivities, compares them to a threshold value, and selectively writes only the appropriate signals to storage, discarding others to optimize storage usage and enhance dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three or more signals obtained by changing the sensitivity are combined to increase dynamic range, then the dynamic range is increased, but the required memory capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of discarding and recovering by selectively storing only the most recent signal value from multiple readings in a low-capacity memory (1-bit memory), discarding older signal values. This allows the system to maintain the ability to combine multiple sensitivity-changed signals for increased dynamic range while using minimal memory capacity, as the memory stores only the latest signal state needed for the combination process.
2Measurement precision
If three or more signals obtained by changing the sensitivity are combined to increase dynamic range, then the dynamic range is increased, but the required power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces power consumption by discarding most signal values and storing only the latest signal state in a 1-bit memory. This minimal storage requirement significantly reduces the power needed for memory operations compared to storing all multiple signal values, while still enabling the combination of signals with different sensitivities to achieve increased dynamic range.
3Measurement precision
If three or more signals obtained by changing the sensitivity are combined to increase dynamic range, then the dynamic range is increased, but the required image combining time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent minimizes image combining time by discarding historical signal values and retaining only the latest signal state in low-capacity memory. This approach reduces the data processing burden during the combining process, as the system only needs to work with the most recent signal values rather than managing and processing multiple stored signal sets, thereby reducing the time required for image combination while maintaining dynamic range enhancement.
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 an increased dynamic range without the need for high-capacity storage, reducing power consumption and improving image capturing flexibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array unit including pixels two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix, each of the pixels converting an externally supplied physical quantity into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A physical quantity detection system includes a pixel array unit including pixels two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix, where each of the pixel converts an externally supplied physical quantity into an electrical signal, a readout unit configured to read out a signal from each of the pixels n times by changing the sensitivity each time, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, a storage unit configured to store m signals out of the n signals read out from the pixel, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and is less than n, and a write control unit configured to compare the signal read out from the pixel by the readout unit with a predetermined threshold value and configured to control a write operation of the signal into the storage unit on the basis of the comparison result.