Image Sensor Photodiode Segmentation for High Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional digital photography systems are limited by the dynamic range of image sensors, which can be overcome by capturing multiple exposures and merging them to create high dynamic range (HDR) images, but existing methods struggle with simultaneous capture and low-noise, high-speed image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that simultaneously capture multiple images using a photodiode-based image sensor by storing and amplifying samples in parallel, allowing for the generation of multiple digital images with different exposure characteristics from a single photodiode array, effectively reducing inter-sample time to zero.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple exposures are captured sequentially to achieve high dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but the inter-sample time increases causing motion blur and artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is segmented into multiple independent photodiodes within each pixel location, where each photodiode captures a different exposure level simultaneously. This segmentation allows multiple exposures to be captured at the same moment in time, eliminating motion blur while achieving high dynamic range through the combination of signals from different photodiodes.
2Productivity
If multiple images are captured simultaneously using separate sensors, then the capture speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photodiodes that would traditionally require separate sensor structures are merged into a single integrated pixel unit. The photodiodes share common circuitry including readout amplifiers and data buses, allowing simultaneous multi-exposure capture while maintaining a compact, unified sensor structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple samples are stored and processed in parallel, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The readout circuitry is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple photodiode signals simultaneously. Shared amplifiers and data processing circuits can process signals from multiple photodiodes in parallel without requiring dedicated circuitry for each photodiode, thereby improving measurement precision through parallel sampling while keeping the overall circuit complexity manageable through resource sharing.
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 images with improved dynamic range and reduced inter-sample time, allowing for low-noise, high-speed imaging and the generation of high dynamic range images without motion blur or artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a first sample is stored based on a photodiode of an image sensor... a second sample is stored based on the photodiode of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for simultaneously capturing multiple images. In use, a first sample is stored based on a photodiode of an image sensor. Further, simultaneous, at least in part, with the storage of the first sample, a second sample is stored based on the photodiode of the image sensor. Next, a first value is output based on the first sample, and a second value is output based on the second sample, for generating at least one image. Finally, at least one of the first value and the second value is amplified utilizing two or more gains.