Solid-State Image Pickup Pixel Array Segmentation for Wide Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image pickup apparatuses face challenges in capturing images with wide dynamic range and high frame rates, as they struggle to read out pixel signals effectively from pixels with multiple photodiodes, leading to difficulties in achieving both high sensitivity and avoiding saturation.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image pickup apparatus with a pixel unit arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, featuring first and second pixels with alternate sensitivities, where independent signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion of pixel signals from each type are performed to generate image data with wide dynamic range and high frame rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photodiodes are provided in one pixel to enlarge dynamic range, then dynamic range is improved, but frame rate decreases due to difficulty in reading out pixel signals
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel unit is divided into first pixels with first photodiodes and second pixels with second photodiodes, where each pixel type has different sensitivity characteristics. By segmenting the pixel array into multiple regions with different photodiode configurations, the system can simultaneously capture both high-brightness and low-brightness areas, achieving wide dynamic range while maintaining high frame rate through independent readout paths for each pixel type.
2Measurement precision
If high-sensitivity pixels are used to capture low-brightness areas, then sensitivity is improved, but saturation occurs in high-brightness areas
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different sensitivity characteristics through the use of first pixels and second pixels with different photodiode configurations. High-sensitivity first pixels are optimized for capturing low-brightness areas, while low-sensitivity second pixels are optimized for high-brightness areas. This local differentiation of sensitivity allows the system to simultaneously capture both dark and bright regions without saturation or excessive noise, effectively enlarging the overall dynamic range.
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 the synthesis of high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity images, enabling the capture of images with wide dynamic range and high frame rates, effectively addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a first photodiode that photoelectrically converts incident light and accumulates the same and a second photodiode with lower sensitivity to light
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup apparatus which is capable of enlarging dynamic range and taking images at high frame rate. The solid-state image pickup apparatus has a pixel unit having first pixels with a first sensitivity to the light and second pixels with a second sensitivity lower than the first sensitivity, and the first pixels and the second pixels being alternately arranged in a row direction. Pixel signals are read out from the first pixels as first pixel signals, and analog-to-digital conversion of the first pixel signals is performed to obtain first digital signals. Pixel signals are read out from the second pixels as second pixel signals, and analog-to-digital conversion of the second pixel signals is performed to obtain second digital signals. The first digital signals and the second digital signals are output as image data.