Image Sensor Counter Resetting for Extended Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in expanding dynamic range without increasing the number of bits in each pixel, which leads to larger pixel size, higher costs, and reduced image sensor performance due to increased wiring and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and image sensor system that includes a correction unit which resets the count value to 0 when it reaches a maximum, allowing continued counting and correcting input count values, enabling the expansion of dynamic range without increasing the number of bits in each pixel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of bits of the counter is increased to obtain a high dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but the pixel size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the counting process into multiple segments by resetting the counter when it reaches its maximum value. Instead of using a single large counter, the system segments the dynamic range into multiple cycles, where each cycle uses a fixed-bit counter that is periodically reset. This allows the effective dynamic range to exceed the counter's bit width without increasing pixel size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic resetting of the counter at its maximum value, creating a cyclic counting mechanism. This periodic action enables the system to measure photon counts beyond the counter's maximum capacity by tracking multiple cycles, thereby expanding the dynamic range without requiring a larger counter width in each pixel.
2Measurement precision
If the number of bits of the counter is increased to obtain a high dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but the cost increases due to increased wiring and power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high dynamic range measurement into multiple counting cycles using a fixed-bit counter. This segmentation approach avoids the need for expensive high-bit counters in each pixel, reducing wiring complexity and power consumption while achieving the same effective dynamic range through periodic resetting and cycle tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standard fixed-bit counter design that can be replicated across all pixels without modification. This copying approach reduces manufacturing cost by using uniform, proven counter circuits rather than custom high-bit counters, while the periodic resetting mechanism provides the extended dynamic range functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the number of bits of the counter is increased to obtain a high dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but the pixel size increases making it difficult to reduce size and improve definition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dynamic range measurement into multiple counting cycles, allowing the use of compact fixed-bit counters in each pixel. This segmentation enables high definition image sensors with smaller pixel sizes while maintaining high dynamic range capability through the periodic resetting mechanism that tracks multiple counting cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic resetting of counters at maximum value enables the system to achieve extended dynamic range without increasing the physical size of counter components in each pixel. This periodic action allows compact pixel design with improved definition while maintaining the ability to measure high photon counts through multiple counting cycles.
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 enhanced dynamic range without increasing pixel size or cost, improving image sensor performance by maintaining S/N ratio and reducing noise and stray capacitance effects.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that outputs a pulse signal in response to incident of a photon
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus comprises: a correction unit that sequentially inputs count values of a plurality of pixels from an image sensor and corrects the input count values, the image sensor having the plurality of pixels each of which has a sensor that outputs a pulse signal in response to an incident of a photon and a counter that counts the number of pulse signals. In a case where a count value reaches a maximum value, the counter resets the count value to 0 and continues counting, and, in a case were an input count value is obtained by continuing counting after the count value is reset to 0, the correction unit corrects the input count value.