Image Sensor Pixel Signal Weighting for Accurate Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-capturing devices face challenges in obtaining a signal that accurately represents the average of multiple pixel signals, leading to potential compromises in image quality due to uneven weighting of pixel signals during combination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image sensor with a plurality of pixels arranged along a first direction, featuring first and second signal lines, and an arithmetic unit that combines signals from these lines to achieve a signal close to the average, while ensuring consistent weighting of pixel signals, particularly by applying greater weight to the central pixel signal when combining signals from adjacent pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel signals are combined using simple averaging, then the calculation is simple, but the signal does not accurately represent the true average due to uneven weighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different weighting coefficients to different pixel signals based on their spatial position. The central pixel receives a different weight (e.g., 1.0) compared to adjacent pixels (e.g., 0.5), creating a localized quality difference that improves the accuracy of the combined signal while maintaining a relatively simple arithmetic operation structure.
2Reliability
If pixel signals are combined with uniform weighting, then the processing is simple, but image quality degrades due to inaccurate average representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the weighting parameter from uniform (all pixels weighted equally) to non-uniform (different weights assigned based on spatial position). This parameter change improves the reliability of the combined signal by better representing the true average, while the weighting scheme remains computationally manageable.
3Measurement precision
If complex arithmetic operations are used to achieve accurate average, then signal accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a simplified weighting scheme where only the central pixel and its immediate adjacent pixels are considered, with weights of 1.0 and 0.5 respectively. This partial action approach achieves sufficient accuracy for the average signal without requiring complex operations involving all pixels, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining acceptable 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
This approach enables the generation of image data with improved quality by ensuring that the signal represents a true average of pixel signals, preventing quality degradation from uneven weighting and ensuring consistent image representation.
Implementation Method 1
each of which includes a photoelectric conversion unit that generates an electric charge through photoelectric conversion of light
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor, includes: a plurality of pixels arranged along a first direction, each of which includes a photoelectric conversion unit that generates an electric charge through photoelectric conversion of light, and outputs a signal generated based upon the electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit; a first signal line to which signals from one or more pixels among the plurality of pixels are output; a second signal line to which a signal from another pixel among the plurality of pixels is output; and an arithmetic unit that executes an arithmetic operation with a signal generated by combining the signals from the one or more pixels output to the first signal line and the signal output to the second signal line.