Solid State Imaging Device Addition Read Barycenter Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional XY address type solid state imaging devices face difficulties in reading image signals from each color channel without displacement of the barycenter position of color pixels after addition, particularly when performing image signal addition in a Bayer array configuration.
Innovation Solution
A solid state imaging device with a pixel section arranged in a matrix, featuring multiple color filters, a first signal outputting circuit, a second signal outputting circuit, and an addition controlling circuit that shifts sampling positions between the circuits to align barycenter positions and compensate for missing pixels using dummy pixels, allowing for accurate addition read modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If addition read is performed by conventional XY address type solid state imaging device, then image signal can be read from each color channel, but barycenter position of color pixels becomes displaced after addition
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the sampling positions in the second signal outputting circuit based on the color array pattern. By making the sampling position variable rather than fixed, the system can compensate for the displacement caused by addition read while maintaining accurate barycenter positioning for each color channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different sampling strategies to different color channels based on their specific arrangements in the color array. Each color channel's sampling positions are locally optimized to maintain correct barycenter alignment, rather than using a uniform approach for all channels.
2Device complexity
If addition read is performed without shifting sampling positions, then reading process is simplified, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sampling position parameter dynamically based on the color array pattern and addition read requirements. By adjusting this parameter, the system achieves both noise reduction through proper pixel addition and maintains reasonable process complexity.
3Speed
If multiple signal outputting circuits are used for parallel reading, then reading speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the signal outputting circuits to perform multiple functions: they can operate independently for parallel reading of different color channels, and also coordinate with each other through the addition controlling circuit for addition read modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each operation mode.
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 simultaneous reading of image signals by each color without barycenter displacement, improving signal-to-noise ratio and speeding up image acquisition, especially during moving image capture.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel section in which a plurality of pixels converting incident light into electrical signals are arranged in a matrix state
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of kinds of color filters are disposed at each of pixels in accordance with a color array of two rows and two columns at a pixel section of a solid state imaging device. A first signal outputting circuit and a second signal outputting circuit each perform an addition read of electrical signals from the pixels of one/the other color included in a line to be read. An addition controlling circuit shifts sampling positions of the pixels which are added at a time of the addition read by a unit of the color array between the first signal outputting circuit and a second signal outputting circuit.