Image Sensor Pixel Segmentation for Low-Noise High-Speed Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional digital photography systems face limitations in capturing low-noise, high-speed images due to inherent light measurement constraints, leading to increased noise or blur when using gain or extended shutter times.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising communicatively coupled pixels with interconnects that enable simultaneous sampling and storage of photodiode currents across multiple cells, allowing for reduced inter-sample time and enhanced light sensitivity, thereby capturing images with reduced noise and blur in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large amounts of gain are applied to captured photographs, then light sensitivity is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each pixel into multiple photodiodes (e.g., four photodiodes per pixel) that simultaneously capture light. By segmenting the pixel structure and combining signals from multiple photodiodes, the system achieves higher effective gain and light sensitivity without amplifying noise in a single photodiode signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines signals from multiple photodiodes within each pixel and across multiple pixels simultaneously. This merging of multiple low-noise signals produces a high-sensitivity output without the noise amplification problems associated with applying gain to a single signal.
2Illumination intensity
If shutter or exposure time is increased, then light sensitivity is improved, but blur increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exposure process by having multiple photodiodes capture light simultaneously during a single short exposure interval. This eliminates the need for extended shutter times while achieving equivalent light sensitivity through parallel signal accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous light capture across multiple photodiodes throughout the exposure period, with all photodiodes actively measuring light simultaneously. This continuous parallel measurement achieves high light sensitivity without extending the total exposure time that would cause motion blur.
3Loss of time
If traditional single-pixel sampling is used, then device complexity is low, but inter-sample time cannot be reduced below frame rate limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each pixel into multiple independent photodiodes that can be independently controlled and read out. This segmentation enables simultaneous sampling across multiple photodiodes within the same pixel, reducing inter-sample time without requiring entirely new device architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to sampling by enabling multiple photodiodes to be read out in different time intervals within a single frame period. This multiplies the effective sampling rate without proportionally increasing the overall system complexity.
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
The system effectively captures images with less noise and greater exposure in low-light conditions, enabling simultaneous capture of images with near-zero inter-sample time, improving image quality and sensitivity without increasing noise or blur.
Implementation Method 1
A first cell of a first pixel is in communication with a first node for storing a first sample... a second cell of a second pixel is in communication with a second node for storing a second sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for obtaining low-noise, high-speed captures of a photographic scene. In use, a first cell of a first pixel is in communication with a first node for storing a first sample. Further, a second cell of a second pixel is in communication with a second node for storing a second sample. Still further, the first cell and the second cell are communicatively coupled.