Image Sensor Online Calibration Without Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state imaging devices with integrated light sources face increased size, power consumption, and cost due to the need for light sources for online calibration.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with a pixel array, a reference signal generation unit, an analog-digital conversion unit, and a correction processing unit that performs online calibration without a light source by generating and processing reference signals for pixel data correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source is contained in a solid-state imaging device to enable online calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the imaging device by utilizing external light instead of an integrated light source for online calibration. The imaging device receives calibration light from outside the device, processes it through the pixel array and signal processing circuits, and performs calibration without requiring an internal light source, thereby reducing device size while maintaining calibration functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where external light serves as the calibration source instead of an integrated light source. The light source is provided from outside the device, and the device uses its existing optical path and pixel array to receive and process this external calibration light, enabling calibration without adding internal light-generating components
2Measurement precision
If a light source is contained in a solid-state imaging device to enable online calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power-consuming light source component from the device by using external light for calibration. The imaging device no longer needs to generate its own calibration light, eliminating the power consumption associated with internal light source operation while still enabling online calibration through external light input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the imaging device to perform self-calibration using external light resources. The device uses its existing pixel array and signal processing capabilities to receive and process external calibration light, eliminating the need for dedicated power-consuming calibration components while maintaining the ability to correct pixel characteristics
3Measurement precision
If a light source is contained in a solid-state imaging device to enable online calibration, then calibration functionality is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for integrated light source components in the device assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. By using external light for calibration, the device can be manufactured without incorporating expensive light source components, while still achieving online calibration functionality through the existing optical path and pixel array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the imaging device's pixel array and signal processing circuits multi-functional by using them for both normal imaging and calibration operations. The same optical path and pixel elements used for capturing images are also used to receive and process external calibration light, eliminating the need for separate calibration-specific components and reducing overall device cost
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To execute online calibration without using a light source.[Solution] An image sensor includes: a pixel array portion in which a plurality of pixels are disposed and which generates a pixel signal; a reference signal generation unit configured to generate a reference signal for calibration; an analog digital (AD) conversion unit configured to execute AD conversion on the pixel signal and the reference signal to generate pixel data and reference data; and a correction processing unit configured to correct the pixel data on a basis of the reference data. The present technology can be applied to, for example, an image sensor performing online calibration.