Image Sensor Flicker Noise Detection Pixel Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face challenges in automatically eliminating flicker noise, especially when the exposure time differs from the frequency of the light source, leading to noise bars in images that are difficult to distinguish from real image data.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an image sensor with a flicker noise detective pixel unit that adjusts exposure times for pairs of pixel rows, calculating average values and subtracting minimum and maximum values to determine the exposure time corresponding to flicker noise, allowing for automatic flicker noise detection and elimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exposure time is adjusted to match the frequency of the light source, then flicker noise is reduced, but the device cannot automatically adapt to different light sources with unknown frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing preliminary image data at multiple different exposure times before final image processing. This allows the system to pre-analyze the characteristics of the light source and determine the optimal exposure time that minimizes flicker noise, enabling automatic adaptation without requiring prior knowledge of the light source frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the exposure time parameter across multiple preliminary captures. By capturing image data at different exposure times (e.g., T, 2T, 3T), the system can identify which exposure time parameter value produces the least flicker noise for the current light source, thus adapting to different light sources automatically.
2Measurement precision
If multiple exposure times are used to detect flicker noise, then detection accuracy is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by capturing preliminary image data at regularly spaced exposure times (T, 2T, 3T, etc.). This periodic sampling approach allows the system to efficiently detect flicker patterns while maintaining a systematic and time-efficient processing sequence, balancing detection accuracy with processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by selecting only the necessary number of preliminary exposure captures required for reliable flicker detection. Instead of capturing excessive data, the system determines the optimal number of preliminary captures needed to accurately detect flicker noise characteristics, thereby reducing unnecessary processing time while maintaining detection precision.
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 enables the detection and elimination of flicker noise in various cases, improving image quality by distinguishing the frequency of light sources and applying appropriate exposure times, thereby enhancing image sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor is a device of displaying images by using a feature that a semiconductor reacts to light
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor has improved functions so as to automatically eliminate a flicker noise. For the purpose, the image sensor includes a pixel array for capturing information about an image provided from the outside and having N pixel rows and M pixel columns for maximizing a feature of reacting to light, wherein M and N are integers, respectively, a flicker noise detective pixel unit containing X pixel rows, which has a form extended from the N pixel rows of the pixel array, and M pixel columns, wherein each pair of X pixel rows has an identical exposure time and X is an even number, and a flicker noise for controlling an exposure point for the flicker noise detective pixel unit and detecting the flicker noise by using outputs of the flicker noise detective pixel unit.