Image Sensor Illuminance Measurement via Pixel Sub-Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors lack the capability to simultaneously measure illuminance of ambient light and acquire object images effectively, especially when the light signal is not focused on the pixel array, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and data accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor system that includes a sensing module with a pixel array and an illuminance data generator, capable of generating illuminance data by performing sub-sampling operations on pixel data even when the light signal is not focused, allowing for the simultaneous acquisition of image and ambient light information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image sensor processes all pixel data to generate illuminance data when light signal is not focused, then illuminance measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by processing only a subset of pixel data (e.g., every nth pixel or selected regions) to generate illuminance data when the light signal is not focused. This selective processing approach provides sufficient illuminance measurement accuracy while significantly reducing the computational load and power consumption compared to processing all pixel data.
2Device complexity
If the image sensor uses the same processing path for both image acquisition and illuminance measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic processing approach where the image sensor automatically switches between different processing modes based on focus detection. When the light signal is not focused, the system activates illuminance measurement mode with appropriate processing parameters. When focused, it switches to standard image acquisition mode. This dynamic adaptation maintains measurement precision while using a unified hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes processing parameters (such as pixel selection criteria, integration time, and processing algorithms) based on the focus state of the light signal. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves accurate illuminance measurement without requiring a completely separate processing path, thus balancing complexity and precision.
3Speed
If the image sensor processes pixel data in real-time for illuminance measurement, then responsiveness is improved, but productivity of image acquisition decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes only a subset of pixel data for illuminance measurement rather than all pixel data, enabling real-time illuminance monitoring while preserving computational resources for complete image acquisition. This partial processing approach provides responsive illuminance data without significantly impacting overall image acquisition productivity.
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 solution enables accurate illuminance data generation while reducing power consumption and improving data accuracy, allowing for efficient operation in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing module configured to sense the light signal irradiated to the pixel array and generate pixel data corresponding to the sensed light signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image sensor and an imaging device including the same. The image sensor is configured to generate illuminance data by receiving a light signal including image information of an object and ambient light information and includes a sensing module including a pixel array including a plurality of unit pixels, configured to sense the light signal irradiated to the pixel array and to generate pixel data corresponding to the sensed light signal, and an illuminance data generator configured to generate illuminance data corresponding to ambient light based on the pixel data, wherein the illuminance data generator is configured to generate the illuminance data based on pixel data when the light signal is not focused on the pixel array.