Solid-State Imaging Element Selective Pixel Line Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state imaging elements with multiple lines operate all lines simultaneously, leading to noise interference from non-required pixel regions during image reading, which affects the quality of image data from required regions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control method that selectively performs reading control on pixels, where non-required pixels are not reset or processed, thereby minimizing charge and circuit crosstalk, and reducing power consumption by stopping unnecessary processing circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all pixel lines are operated simultaneously in a multi-line solid-state imaging element, then the imaging element can capture multiple wavelength ranges (visible and invisible light) at the same time, but noise interference from non-required pixel regions affects the quality of image data from required regions
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple independent line groups, each capable of being controlled separately. The control circuit can selectively activate only the required line groups (e.g., only visible light lines or only infrared lines) based on the imaging requirements, thereby isolating noise from non-required regions while maintaining the capability to capture multiple wavelength ranges when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element employs dynamic control of pixel line activation, where the control circuit can switch between different operational modes (full-array mode, partial-array mode, single-wavelength mode) based on real-time requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize image quality by activating only the necessary pixel lines for each specific imaging task.
2Reliability
If all pixel lines are operated simultaneously, then complete image data can be acquired from all regions, but power consumption increases due to processing of unnecessary pixels
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of processing all pixel lines uniformly, the control circuit implements partial action by selectively activating only the required line groups. When only visible light imaging is needed, only the visible light-sensitive lines are activated; when only infrared imaging is needed, only the infrared-sensitive lines are activated. This reduces power consumption by keeping unnecessary processing circuits in a low-power or inactive state while maintaining complete image data acquisition for the required regions.
3Loss of information
If reading control is performed on all pixels, then comprehensive image information is obtained, but charge crosstalk and circuit crosstalk from non-required regions degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple independent line groups with separate readout circuits. By activating only the required line groups, the patent prevents charge crosstalk and circuit crosstalk from propagating between unrelated pixel regions. Each active line group operates independently, ensuring that noise and interference are confined to only the active regions rather than affecting the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the required pixel line groups from the complete pixel array for active processing. Non-required line groups are placed in a low-power or inactive state, effectively removing them from the active circuitry. This extraction prevents crosstalk from non-required regions while maintaining the ability to include all necessary pixel lines when comprehensive imaging is needed.
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
Improves image quality by reducing noise interference and power consumption by ensuring only required pixels are processed, enhancing the overall image data quality from the imaging element.
Implementation Method 1
The pixel section includes a plurality of pixels that are arranged in a matrix and that perform photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state imaging element includes a pixel section including a plurality of pixels that are arranged in a matrix and to perform photoelectric conversion, and circuitry to perform reading control on pixels in the pixel section, such that reading control is not performed on at least one pixel included in the pixel section.