Imaging Device Alternating Sensitivity Exposure Periods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices face challenges in obtaining an appropriate image while maintaining a frame rate, as existing methods for adjusting luminance are not effective in balancing sensitivity and exposure periods.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a pixel array with alternating high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity exposure periods, where pixel signal readout is performed during specific periods, and no readout occurs during the third period, allowing for adjustable sensitivity through voltage control of electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the luminance is adjusted by extending the exposure time or increasing the sensitivity, then the image brightness is improved, but the frame rate decreases and motion blur increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple rows that are read out in different time periods. Specifically, odd rows are read out during a first period while even rows are read out during a second period, allowing the exposure time for each row to be optimized independently while maintaining overall frame rate
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device dynamically switches between high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity exposure periods for different rows. By alternating the sensitivity settings across rows and time periods, the system adapts to capture appropriate luminance without compromising frame rate
2Measurement precision
If the sensitivity of the imaging element is increased to capture low-light scenes, then the image quality is improved, but periodic lateral stripes appear in the output image
Solution Approach 1:
Different rows of the pixel array are assigned different sensitivity characteristics and readout timings. Odd rows and even rows have different exposure sensitivities and are read out at different times, which distributes the sensitivity variations spatially and prevents the formation of periodic lateral stripe patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device implements alternating high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity exposure periods in a periodic manner across different rows. This periodic alternation of sensitivity settings, combined with interleaved readout, prevents the accumulation of periodic artifacts while maintaining sufficient sensitivity for image capture
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 capture of appropriate images while maintaining a frame rate by dispersing high-sensitivity exposure periods, preventing periodic lateral stripes and ensuring sufficient sensitivity, thus improving image quality and frame rate stability.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage is applied to a photoelectric conversion layer
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device 100 includes a pixel array PA. A first period, a third period, and a second period appear in this order in one frame. During the first period, pixel signal readout is performed on at least one first row in the pixel array PA. During the second period, pixel signal readout is performed on at least one second row in the pixel array PA. At least one of the at least one first row or the at least one second row includes two rows in the pixel array PA. During the third period, no pixel signal readout is performed on the rows in the pixel array PA. Each of the first period and the second period is one of the high-sensitivity exposure period and the low-sensitivity exposure period. The third period is the other of the high-sensitivity exposure period and the low-sensitivity exposure period.