Solid-state imaging element pixel readout for moving subjects
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solid-state imaging elements, increasing the number of parallel stages for high-speed pixel signal readout leads to increased power consumption, and conventional techniques to reduce power consumption result in image breakup of moving subjects due to stagnated pixel access.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging element with a predetermined color arrangement performs analog-to-digital conversion on pixel signals in a direction that avoids stagnation, using an analog-to-digital converter to scan pixel signals of pixels defined by a reference luminance value, allowing simultaneous scanning and conversion without stagnation, applicable to various pixel arrays and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the number of parallel stages of the column parallel AD converter is increased to achieve high-speed pixel signal readout, then the readout speed is improved, but the power consumption increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating between AD conversion operation and reset/transfer operation across different pixel groups. The pixel array is divided into multiple groups that undergo AD conversion and reset operations in alternating cycles, enabling the system to maintain high readout speed while reducing average power consumption by allowing circuit elements to rest periodically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple pixel groups, each associated with different vertical signal lines. This segmentation allows independent control of AD conversion timing for each group, enabling parallel processing of multiple pixel groups while limiting the number of simultaneously active AD converters, thus balancing speed and power consumption.
2Productivity
If the number of simultaneous scanning rows or columns is increased to improve processing speed, then the readout efficiency is improved, but pixel access becomes stagnant within a microscopic range causing image breakup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the scanning pattern by incorporating diagonal or alternating row/column selection alongside the conventional sequential scanning. This multi-dimensional scanning approach allows the readout to jump across different spatial regions, preventing stagnation in any single microscopic area while maintaining high overall processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric scanning patterns where the number of simultaneously scanned rows or columns varies across different time periods or pixel groups. This asymmetric approach ensures that no single region is over-sampled while others are under-sampled, distributing the access load uniformly across the entire pixel array and preventing image breakup.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging element capable of suppressing an occurrence of image breakup in imaging of a moving subject, a solid-state imaging element operation method, an imaging apparatus, and an electronic device. Pixel signals of G pixels (including Gb and Gr pixels) defined as a reference of a luminance value among pixels of images captured by an imaging element are simultaneously scanned to undergo analog-to-digital conversion in an order not causing stagnation in a predetermined direction of analog-to-digital conversion, and at this time, R and B pixels other than the pixels defined as the reference of the luminance value undergo analog-to-digital conversion by simultaneous scan of pixels in the vicinity of the G pixels defined as the reference of the luminance value that undergo analog-to-digital conversion. The present disclosure can be applied to an imaging apparatus.