Image Sensor Binned Readout for Resolution Frame Rate Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to concurrently meet the differing requirements of multiple applications that need varying image characteristics, such as frame rate and resolution, using a single image sensor.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flexible read-out scheme for image sensors, where different portions are read using different read modes (binned and non-binned) to generate multiple images with varying characteristics, allowing for simultaneous capture of images with differing resolutions and frame rates by interleaving and combining signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single image sensor operates at high frame rate, then frame rate is improved, but resolution deteriorates to low to moderate levels
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple regions with different readout modes. Some regions use binned readout (combining signals from multiple photodetectors) to achieve high frame rates, while other regions use non-binned readout to maintain high resolution. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation at different resolutions and frame rates across the sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor are assigned different quality characteristics based on local requirements. Regions where high frame rate is prioritized use binned readout with lower resolution, while regions where high resolution is prioritized use non-binned readout. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to optimize for its specific needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single image sensor operates at high resolution, then image quality is improved, but frame rate deteriorates to low to moderate levels
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple regions with different readout modes. Some regions use binned readout (combining signals from multiple photodetectors) to achieve high frame rates, while other regions use non-binned readout to maintain high resolution. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation at different resolutions and frame rates across the sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor are assigned different quality characteristics based on local requirements. Regions where high frame rate is prioritized use binned readout with lower resolution, while regions where high resolution is prioritized use non-binned readout. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to optimize for its specific needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images with different characteristics are generated simultaneously, then application versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously by supporting different readout modes across different regions. The same physical sensor can serve applications requiring high frame rates, high resolution, or both, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors and reducing overall system complexity despite increased operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for capturing an image includes an image sensor having a plurality of sensing elements and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive a first group of image signals from a first portion of the plurality of sensing elements using at least a first binned read mode; receive a second group of image signals from a second portion of the plurality of sensing elements using a non-binned read mode; generate a first image based on at least the first group of image signals and the second group of image signals; and generate a second image based on the second group of image signals.