Imaging Device Dynamic Integration Period Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to achieve high dynamic range imaging due to limitations in selecting the appropriate integration period for each pixel during the readout sequence, leading to issues with detecting dim and bright light sources simultaneously, and maintaining accurate light level representation across varying ambient lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of row parallel processing to read light-induced charge signals for each pixel, compare them against a threshold, and conditionally reset pixels based on their integration period, allowing for dynamic adjustment of integration times to optimize light level detection without saturating, thereby enhancing the dynamic range of the imaging device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single integration period is used for all pixels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of light levels varies across different brightness conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic integration period selection where each pixel can individually choose from multiple integration periods (e.g., 1ms, 2ms, 4ms, 8ms) based on the brightness of the scene. This dynamic adaptation allows the imaging device to optimize light level detection accuracy for each pixel independently, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by making the system flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the integration period parameter based on scene brightness conditions. By providing multiple discrete integration period options and allowing pixels to select the appropriate one, the system adapts the temporal parameter to match lighting conditions, thereby improving light level detection accuracy without requiring overly complex hardware mechanisms.
2Productivity
If a short integration period is used, then the productivity of readout is improved, but the measurement precision for dim light sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of integration period based on scene requirements. For dim light sources, pixels automatically select longer integration periods (e.g., 4ms or 8ms) to accumulate sufficient light charge, improving detection precision. For bright scenes or when high frame rates are needed, shorter integration periods (e.g., 1ms or 2ms) are selected to maintain high readout productivity. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction between readout speed and dim light detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a long integration period is used, then the measurement precision for dim light sources is improved, but the reliability of avoiding saturation in bright conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic integration period selection mechanism where pixels can choose from multiple integration periods (1ms, 2ms, 4ms, 8ms) based on real-time scene brightness assessment. For dim light sources, the system selects longer integration periods to improve detection precision. For bright conditions, it automatically switches to shorter integration periods to prevent saturation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between dim light detection precision and saturation avoidance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of scene brightness conditions and pre-selects the appropriate integration period before actual image capture. This preliminary action allows the system to optimize the integration period for the anticipated lighting conditions, ensuring both dim light source detection precision and saturation avoidance are maintained without requiring post-processing adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple integration periods are available for each pixel, then the adaptability to varying lighting conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic integration period selection system where pixels can adaptively choose from multiple integration periods (1ms, 2ms, 4ms, 8ms) based on scene brightness. This dynamic capability significantly improves adaptability to varying lighting conditions while managing device complexity through efficient control mechanisms that automatically select the appropriate integration period without requiring complex manual configuration or additional hardware components.
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 accurate detection of a wide range of light levels, reducing noise and saturation, and maintaining high readout resolution across a vast light level range, improving the imaging device's ability to capture detailed images in both bright and dim conditions without exposure adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
read a signal indicative of the light induced charge for each pixel of the row
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to improved imaging devices having high dynamic range and to monitoring and automatic control systems incorporating the improved imaging devices.