Image Sensor Segmentation for Rapid Multi-Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors can only capture two images in rapid sequence, limiting their application in techniques like particle image velocimetry that require capturing multiple images closely spaced in time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an image sensor with a plurality of photosensitive areas that captures three images by transferring and reading out image charges in a specific sequence, utilizing both CCD and CMOS technologies to efficiently manage charge packets and illumination timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional image sensor captures only two images in rapid sequence, then the device complexity remains simple, but the productivity is limited and cannot meet the requirements of applications like particle image velocimetry that need three or more images
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple independent photosensitive areas (first, second, and third portions) that can simultaneously capture different images. Each photosensitive area has its own charge storage and transfer capability, allowing parallel image acquisition without increasing sequential processing time. This segmentation enables capturing three images in rapid sequence while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
2Speed
If the first image is held in the photodiodes until the vertical CCD is empty, then the speed of image acquisition is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the second image cannot be fully captured without overwriting the first image data
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensitive areas are segmented into distinct portions (first, second, third portions) that capture images at different times. The first portion captures the first image, the second portion captures the second image, and the third portion captures the third image. This temporal and spatial segmentation allows each image to be captured with full precision without overwriting, while the overall system achieves high-speed acquisition through parallel processing of segmented image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate charge storage mechanisms (such as floating diffusion regions or temporary storage nodes) between the photodiodes and the vertical CCD. These intermediaries buffer the charge packets from different photosensitive areas, allowing the system to transfer and read out charges in a controlled sequence without loss of image data integrity, thus maintaining both speed and 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
Enables the capture of three images in rapid sequence, enhancing the capability for applications such as particle image velocimetry by improving the temporal resolution of image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
A laser or strobe flash illuminates an image scene and is collected by the photodiodes 20
Data Source
AI summary
A method for capturing a sequence of images, the method includes the steps of capturing a first image on an image sensor having a plurality of photosensitive areas having a first portion of photosensitive areas and a second portion of photosensitive areas; transferring the first portion of the first captured image to a first plurality of storage mechanisms; capturing a second image on the image sensor; transferring the second portion of the second captured image to a second plurality of the storage mechanisms; capturing a third image on the image sensor; reading out the first portion of the first captured image from the first plurality of storage mechanisms and reading out the second portion of the second captured image from the second plurality of storage mechanisms; and reading out the third image.