Image Pickup Apparatus Dynamic Sampling Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal processing methods for solid-state imaging elements face challenges in suppressing noise while maintaining high-speed processing and reducing power consumption, often leading to time constraints and increased power usage due to the need for multiple sampling operations.
Innovation Solution
An image-pickup apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the number of sampling operations for signal processing, incorporating a stacked configuration of pixel units and signal processing circuits, allowing for controlled noise suppression through strategic sampling changes based on photographing modes and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sampling operations are performed in each CDS process to suppress noise, then noise suppression effectiveness is improved, but processing speed decreases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of sampling operations adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the number of sampling operations based on photographing modes and conditions, allowing the system to adapt between high noise suppression (more samplings) and high speed (fewer samplings) as needed for different shooting scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sampling operation count based on different photographing conditions. By adjusting this parameter, the system optimizes the balance between noise suppression quality and processing efficiency for various shooting modes such as still images, moving images, and continuous shooting
2Measurement precision
If multiple sampling operations are performed in each CDS process to suppress noise, then noise suppression effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of sampling operations based on photographing conditions, reducing power consumption by performing fewer samplings when high noise suppression is not required, while maintaining the capability to perform more samplings when needed for still images or low-light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling operation count parameter according to different photographing modes, optimizing power consumption by matching the sampling intensity to the actual noise suppression needs of each shooting scenario
3Measurement precision
If the number of sampling operations is increased for noise suppression, then noise suppression effectiveness is improved, but time constraints occur due to reduced reading rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of sampling operations where the control unit adjusts the number of samplings based on the photographing mode and time constraints. For moving images or continuous shooting where time is critical, fewer samplings are performed, while still images allow more samplings without time pressure
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 enables high-speed noise suppression while minimizing power consumption by optimizing the number of sampling operations, thereby improving image signal reading rates and reducing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
signal charges generated by photoelectric conversion units of the pixel units
Data Source
AI summary
An image-pickup apparatus suppresses noise at a high speed while reducing power consumption by controlling the number of sampling operations in signal processing for suppressing noise of an imaging element. The image-pickup apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging element having a plurality of pixel units, a control unit performing first control of acquiring a first signal that is a noise signal from the pixel units and second control of acquiring a second signal based on signal charge generated by photoelectric conversion units of the pixel units, and a signal processing unit subtracting the first signal from the second signal, and the control unit performs control of changing the number of sampling operations of the second signal.