Imaging Apparatus Region Control via Switched ADC Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses are inadequate in performing region-specific control on partial regions of a pixel array, as they typically process the entire region uniformly, lacking the ability to individually control exposure times, gain settings, and output for different regions of interest (ROI).
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes multiple pixels and analog-to-digital converters, with switches that allow pixel signals from different regions to be selectively routed to appropriate converters, enabling independent processing and output control for various regions within the imaging element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analog-to-digital converters are provided for every column of pixels, then different exposure times and gain settings can be set for every path, but the ability to perform region control on multiple partial regions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions of interest (ROIs), and each ROI can be independently controlled through dedicated switching circuits. This segmentation allows different exposure times and gain settings for different regions, resolving the contradiction by enabling region-specific control without requiring a separate ADC for every pixel column.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the control architecture by organizing pixels into multiple ROIs with different readout paths. Instead of uniform processing across all columns, the system creates dimensional separation in the signal flow, allowing independent control parameters for each spatial region while sharing ADC resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire region of a pixel array is targeted for processing, then uniform processing can be applied, but region-specific control on partial regions cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts specific regions of interest from the entire pixel array and routes them through dedicated switching circuits to appropriate ADCs. This extraction allows region-specific processing parameters to be applied only where needed, rather than uniformly across all pixels, optimizing resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different processing characteristics through the switching circuitry, allowing each ROI to have optimized exposure times and gain settings tailored to its specific imaging requirements, rather than applying uniform processing to the entire array.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches are provided to route pixel signals to different ADCs, then region control is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuits are designed to be multi-functional, serving both region selection and signal routing purposes simultaneously. Each switch can dynamically connect different pixel columns to different ADCs based on the active ROI, providing universal control capability without requiring dedicated switching networks for each region.
Data Source
AI summary
Output control is separately performed on pixels corresponding to a plurality of different regions (ROIs) in the entire region of an imaging element. An imaging element that captures an image of a subject includes first and second pixels. First and second analog-to-digital converters convert pixel signals from the first and second pixels from an analog value to a digital value. A first switch supplies a pixel signal from the first pixel to any one of the first and second analog-to-digital converters. A second switch supplies a pixel signal from the second pixel to any one of the first and second analog-to-digital converters.