Image Sensor Signal Amplification for Color-Monochrome Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition apparatuses face challenges in efficiently switching between multiple operation modes, such as color and monochrome, without requiring complex arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition apparatus with pixels comprising sub-pixels that detect different light beams, signal holding units, and a signal processing unit that allows for varying amplification factors and modes of signal output, enabling both color and monochrome image acquisition with a simple circuit design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation modes (color and monochrome) are implemented with separate circuit arrangements, then image acquisition versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can process signals in color mode with uniform amplification and in monochrome mode with differential amplification. By making the amplification factors configurable and mode-dependent, a single circuit arrangement achieves what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different amplification factor configurations based on the selected operation mode. The signal processing unit can dynamically adjust its behavior: applying the same amplification factor to all pixels in color mode, or applying different amplification factors to different pixel groups in monochrome mode. This dynamic adaptability allows one circuit to replace multiple static circuits
2Measurement precision
If different amplification factors are applied to different pixel groups for monochrome mode, then image acquisition precision is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into different groups (first pixel group and second pixel group) that can be assigned different amplification factors. This segmentation allows selective amplification optimization for different regions or types of pixels, improving measurement precision by tailoring the amplification to the specific requirements of each pixel group while maintaining manageable signal processing through systematic grouping
3Device complexity
If a fixed amplification factor is used for all pixels, then device complexity is reduced, but image acquisition precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable amplification factors that can be changed based on the operation mode and pixel group. Instead of a fixed amplification factor, the system allows the amplification parameter to be adjusted: using a first amplification factor for the first pixel group and a second amplification factor for the second pixel group in monochrome mode, or a uniform factor in color mode. This parameter flexibility improves precision without requiring complex hardware
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
Facilitates efficient switching between color and monochrome modes without increasing circuit complexity, enhancing image acquisition speed and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a plurality of sub-pixels configured to detect different light beams
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition apparatus comprising pixels each including sub-pixels, the apparatus comprising signal holding units for holding signals from the sub-pixels, and a signal processing unit for acquiring and processing each of the signals from the signal holding units, wherein the signal processing unit includes a first mode of amplifying, by a predetermined amplification factor, the signals held by the signal holding units and individually outputting the signals, and a second mode of amplifying, by amplification factors at least some of which are different from the amplification factor in the first mode, the signals held by the signal holding units to add and output the signals.