Image Sensor A/D Converter Selection for Flexible High-Speed Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup devices face challenges in expanding dynamic range, reducing noise, and achieving high-speed reading while also struggling to handle diverse data output formats as the complexity of image processing and output requirements increase.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup device with a selection unit that dynamically selects the number of A/D converters for each pixel column and a control unit that manages these selections to optimize data output, allowing for different read rates, gain settings, and sampling timings across multiple paths, enabling more versatile data output formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple A/D converters are connected to each output line for high-speed data reading, then reading speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism where the system can flexibly choose between single-converter and dual-converter modes based on real-time requirements. The selection unit dynamically configures the number of A/D converters connected to each output line, allowing the system to adapt between high-speed reading mode (dual converters) and normal operation mode (single converter), thus resolving the contradiction between speed improvement and complexity increase.
2Measurement precision
If A/D conversion is performed twice on a read-out signal to reduce noise and improve dynamic range, then signal quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs A/D conversion in advance during the reading phase, converting analog signals to digital format before subsequent processing. This preliminary conversion enables the system to reuse the already-converted digital signals for multiple purposes (noise reduction, dynamic range expansion) without requiring additional conversion time, thus improving signal quality while minimizing processing time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the dual-converter configuration: high-speed reading, noise reduction through multiple conversions, and dynamic range expansion all occur within the same hardware framework. By merging these functions into a unified system architecture, the patent achieves signal quality improvement without proportionally increasing processing time, as the converters operate in an integrated manner rather than sequential isolation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of A/D converters is increased to handle diverse data output formats, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal converter system where the same A/D converters serve multiple functions: standard data output, high-speed reading, noise reduction processing, and dynamic range expansion. The selection unit acts as a universal interface that routes signals appropriately based on the required output format, enabling one set of converters to handle diverse data requirements without requiring separate dedicated converters for each function, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
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 more varied and efficient data outputs, enhancing the dynamic range, reducing noise, and achieving high-speed reading while accommodating diverse output formats, thus improving the functionality of image pickup devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array in which incident light is photoelectrically converted at each pixel
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an image pickup device, a control method, and an image pickup apparatus, which can implement more various data outputs. An image pickup apparatus of the present disclosure includes a pixel array in which incident light of an object is photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion element at each of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form, a selection unit that selects the number of A/D converters that output a pixel signal of each pixel in the pixel array, and a control unit that controls the selection unit and causes the selection unit to select the number of the A/D converters according to a request. The present disclosure can be applied to an image pickup device, a control method, and an image pickup apparatus.