Imaging Array Segmentation for Variable Resolution Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-definition television cameras require high drive frequencies for imaging element arrays, leading to increased power consumption and complexity, and existing technologies only offer fixed picture resolutions, limiting flexibility in capturing images at variable resolutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize detection information to generate patterns for selectively driving imaging element arrays, allowing for variable resolution capture by interpolating signals from used to unused pixels, enabling high-resolution capture in specific areas while maintaining low resolution in others, thus reducing the required drive frequency and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the drive frequency of the imaging element array is increased to output signals from all photosensor pixels in a 1-frame interval, then the picture quality and resolution are improved, but the power consumption and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element array is divided into multiple banks, with each bank containing a subset of photosensor pixels. Only selected banks are driven at high frequency to capture high-resolution images, while other banks remain inactive or operate at lower frequencies. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high picture quality in specific regions without requiring the entire array to operate at maximum drive frequency, thereby reducing overall power consumption and circuit complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the number of photosensor pixels is increased to achieve high-definition picture quality, then the resolution is improved, but the required drive frequency and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensor array is segmented into multiple banks that can be independently controlled. By activating only the necessary banks for high-definition capture, the system achieves high resolution without requiring all pixels to be driven simultaneously at high frequency, thus reducing the complexity of the clock circuit and signal processing pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which banks of photosensor pixels to activate based on the imaging requirements. This dynamic control allows the circuit complexity to be adjusted in real-time, enabling high-definition mode when needed while operating in a simplified, lower-power mode during normal operation, thereby managing circuit complexity effectively.
3Measurement precision
If all photosensor pixels are driven to capture high-resolution images, then the picture quality is improved, but the power consumption and drive frequency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensor array is divided into multiple banks, allowing selective activation of only those banks containing pixels needed for high-resolution capture. This reduces the total number of actively driven pixels while maintaining high picture quality in the regions of interest, thereby lowering power consumption without sacrificing overall image quality.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the drive frequency is reduced to lower power consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to output all pixel signals in a 1-frame interval is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the photosensor array into multiple banks that can be independently driven, the system can operate selected banks at high frequency to maintain frame output rate and picture quality, while leaving other banks inactive or operating at lower frequencies to improve energy efficiency. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both goals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of different photo banks, where each bank is driven in alternating intervals. This periodic action allows the overall system to maintain high frame output rates through coordinated operation of multiple banks, while individual banks can operate at lower average power consumption by being active only during their designated intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
Detection information is obtained from captured-image information of an imaging element array. An area is provided in an image capturing region in the imaging element array. In response to the obtained detection information, a pattern is generated which defines a ratio of a number of photosensor pixels used to capture an image to a number of all photosensor pixels in the area. The imaging element array is driven in accordance with the generated pattern. Interpolation responsive to a first picture signal generated by the used photosensor pixels in the area is implemented to generate a second picture signal corresponding to unused ones among all the photosensor pixels in the area. The first picture signal and the second picture signal are combined into a captured-image signal. The captured-image signal is outputted at a prescribed frame rate.