Image Sensor Analog Signal Amplification for Zero Interframe Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional digital photography systems are limited by the dynamic range of image sensors, necessitating multiple exposures to achieve high dynamic range images, which can result in interframe time delays and motion artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that amplify analog signals from an image sensor using multiple gains and convert them into digital signals with zero interframe time, allowing for simultaneous capture of multiple exposures without delays, using a signal amplifier and analog-to-digital conversion to generate multiple digital images from a single analog signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple exposures are captured sequentially to achieve high dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but interframe time delays and motion artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analog signal processing by applying different gain values to different portions of the analog signal from the same exposure, creating multiple exposure levels simultaneously without requiring sequential captures. This eliminates interframe time delays while maintaining high dynamic range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies gain adjustments to the analog signal before analog-to-digital conversion, preparing multiple exposure variants in advance from a single capture. This preliminary processing enables high dynamic range imaging without the time delays associated with sequential captures.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple exposures are captured sequentially to achieve high dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but motion artifacts are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analog signal processing by applying different gain values to different portions of the analog signal from the same exposure, creating multiple exposure levels simultaneously. This ensures all exposure data is captured at the same moment, eliminating motion artifacts while maintaining high dynamic range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple gain-adjusted versions of the same analog signal into a single high dynamic range image. By combining data from the same instantaneous capture rather than sequential frames, motion artifacts are eliminated while achieving the desired dynamic range expansion.
3Loss of time
If analog signals are amplified using multiple gains simultaneously, then zero interframe time is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or sequential electronic switching with parallel analog signal processing paths that simultaneously apply different gain values. This substitution achieves zero interframe time by eliminating sequential operations, though it does increase circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gain parameter of the analog signal processing circuitry to create multiple exposure levels from the same input signal. By dynamically adjusting gain values in parallel processing paths, the system achieves simultaneous multi-exposure capture without sequential timing delays.
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
Enables the generation of high dynamic range images with zero interframe time, reducing motion artifacts and improving image quality by allowing for simultaneous capture of multiple exposures with precise timing control.
Implementation Method 1
a first amplified analog signal associated with the image is generated by amplifying the analog signal utilizing a first gain. Further, a second amplified analog signal associated with the image is generated by amplifying the analog signal utilizing a second gain
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for obtaining multiple exposures with zero interframe time. In use, a first an analog signal associated with an image is received from at least one pixel of an image sensor. Next, a first amplified analog signal associated with the image is generated by amplifying the analog signal utilizing a first gain. Further, a second amplified analog signal associated with the image is generated by amplifying the analog signal utilizing a second gain. Finally, the first amplified analog signal and the second amplified analog signal are transmitted.