Solid-State Image Pickup Pixel Array Noise Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state image pickup apparatuses require a large number of correction pixels per row to accurately extract noise components, which increases complexity and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image pickup apparatus with a pixel array unit that includes image signal generation pixels and correction signal generation pixels arranged in a matrix pattern, where the analog image signals are converted into digital signals in rows, and digital correction signals from multiple rows are used to correct digital image signals, allowing for reduced pixel count through averaging and simultaneous conversion processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If many correction pixels are arranged for each row to accurately extract noise components, then measurement precision of noise component is improved, but device complexity and quantity of pixels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the correction pixel arrangement from a single-row configuration to a multi-row configuration. By arranging correction pixels across multiple rows (specifically 2N rows where N is the number of correction pixels per row), the system can calculate averages across both horizontal and vertical dimensions, improving noise extraction accuracy without increasing the number of correction pixels within a single row.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines correction pixels from multiple rows into a unified noise component extraction process. By reading out and averaging correction signals from correction pixels across multiple rows simultaneously, the system merges the corrective capability of分散 pixels into a coordinated noise removal mechanism, achieving better precision with the same total pixel count.
2Measurement precision
If many correction pixels are arranged for each row to accurately extract noise components, then measurement precision of noise component is improved, but the number of pixels required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the row dimension in addition to the column dimension for correction pixel arrangement. Instead of increasing the number of correction pixels horizontally (which would increase quantity), the system distributes correction pixels across multiple rows, using the vertical dimension to provide additional samples for noise extraction without increasing the horizontal pixel count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the correction pixel array into multiple rows, where each row contains N correction pixels. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the correction function across multiple rows rather than concentrating all correction pixels in a single row, thereby improving noise extraction through multi-row averaging while maintaining a controlled total pixel count.
3Measurement precision
If correction is performed by determining average of correction signals from many correction pixels, then correction accuracy is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs analog-to-digital conversion of correction signals from multiple rows in parallel before the averaging calculation. By converting all correction signals to digital form simultaneously and making them available for processing, the system prepares the data in advance, enabling efficient subsequent averaging operations without sequential conversion delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential sequential processing mechanisms with parallel processing capabilities. By implementing simultaneous analog-to-digital conversion for multiple rows and enabling concurrent access to correction signals from different rows, the system substitutes what would otherwise be time-consuming sequential operations with parallel execution, reducing overall processing time.
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 reduces the number of correction pixels needed for noise removal while maintaining accurate noise extraction, enhancing the efficiency and simplicity of the image pickup process.
Implementation Method 1
image signal generation pixels for generating analog image signals in response to light irradiated thereupon
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes a pixel array unit in which image signal generation pixels for generating analog image signals in response to light irradiated thereupon and correction signal generation pixels for generating analog correction signals for correcting the image signals are arranged in a matrix pattern. A conversion unit performs first conversion that is conversion from the analog image signals generated by the image signal generation pixels arranged in a row in the matrix pattern into digital image signals. The conversion unit further performs second conversion, which is conversion performed at substantially the same time with the first conversion, from the analog correction signals generated by the correction signal generation pixels arranged in a plurality of rows in the matrix pattern into digital correction signals. A correction unit performs correction of the digital image signals with the digital correction signals generated in the plurality of rows.