Imaging Apparatus Driving Method for Blooming Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in efficiently accumulating and transferring electric charges from photoelectric conversion units to charge holding units, leading to issues like blooming and reduced dynamic range, especially when multiple charge holding units are involved.
Innovation Solution
A driving method for an imaging apparatus that includes a first and second charge holding unit, with specific transfer operations to accumulate and transfer electric charges from a photoelectric conversion unit to these units, allowing for simultaneous or sequential accumulation and transfer across multiple pixel rows, thereby optimizing charge holding and reducing blooming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electric charges are accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit before transfer to charge holding units, then the dynamic range is extended, but blooming occurs when the photoelectric conversion unit becomes saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The charge holding capability is segmented across multiple units (first charge holding unit and second charge holding unit) connected in parallel to the photoelectric conversion unit. This segmentation allows charges to be distributed to different holding units, preventing saturation of the photoelectric conversion unit and eliminating blooming while maintaining extended dynamic range through the combined capacity of multiple holding units.
Solution Approach 2:
The first charge holding unit and second charge holding unit act as intermediary storage elements between the photoelectric conversion unit and the readout circuitry. These intermediary units buffer the charges, allowing the photoelectric conversion unit to accumulate charges over extended periods without becoming saturated, thus preventing blooming while maintaining extended dynamic range.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple charge holding units are used to prevent blooming, then blooming is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge holding function is segmented into multiple parallel units (first charge holding unit and second charge holding unit), each with dedicated transfer transistors. This segmentation prevents blooming by distributing charge storage capacity while maintaining a relatively simple circuit architecture through modular repetition of transfer and holding elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The first charge holding unit and second charge holding unit serve multiple functions: they extend the accumulation period, prevent blooming by providing additional storage capacity, and enable flexible readout timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If charges are transferred from photoelectric conversion unit to charge holding units, then blooming is prevented, but transfer time is required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The first charge holding unit and second charge holding unit are prepared in advance as ready-to-receive storage elements. The transfer transistors (first transfer transistor and second transfer transistor) are positioned to enable rapid charge transfer when needed. This preliminary preparation allows quick charge redistribution to prevent blooming without requiring lengthy transfer sequences, thus minimizing impact on productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple charge holding units enable continuous charge accumulation and transfer operations. While one holding unit is being read out or is full, charges can continue to be transferred to other holding units, maintaining continuous useful action. This continuity reduces idle time and minimizes the impact of transfer operations on overall productivity.
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 method enhances the imaging apparatus's ability to capture images with reduced blooming and extended dynamic range by efficiently managing electric charges across multiple charge holding units, improving signal processing and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel including a photoelectric conversion unit, at least two charge holding units each configured to hold an electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a state where an electric charge is held in a first charge holding unit, starting accumulation of an electric charge in a photoelectric conversion unit simultaneously in a plurality of pixel rows, and performing a first transfer operation for transferring an electric charge from the photoelectric conversion unit to the first charge holding unit simultaneously in the plurality of pixel rows.