Imaging Element Pixel Selection Control for Endoscope Frame Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging elements without pixel output switch transistors face frame drop issues due to misrecognition of synchronization signals, especially in noisy environments like those near electric knives in endoscope systems, leading to overlapping frames and observation obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An imaging element with a pixel selection unit and a control unit that performs de-selection operations based on synchronization signals, using a reference voltage generation unit to generate voltages for selecting and de-selecting pixels, ensuring proper pixel selection and de-selection even when synchronization signals are input at incorrect timings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pixel output switch transistor is omitted to simplify pixel configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to frame drop when synchronization signals are misrecognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the de-selection operation before the selection operation in response to a synchronization signal. This ensures that any previously selected pixel is properly de-selected before a new pixel is selected, preventing overlapping selections and frame drops even when synchronization signals are received at unexpected timings. The pixel selection unit is configured to execute de-selection first, then selection, thereby proactively preventing the reliability issue before it can occur.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging element is placed at the distal end of a long insertion unit to enable endoscopic observation, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to noise interference from electric knives affecting synchronization signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by executing the de-selection operation before the selection operation when a synchronization signal is received. This ensures that even if noise from electric knives causes a synchronization signal to be received at an incorrect timing, the previously selected pixel will have been de-selected before a new selection is made, preventing frame drops and maintaining reliable operation in noisy endoscopic environments.
3Productivity
If the pixel selection unit operates without de-selection before selection to improve operation speed, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to overlapping pixel selections causing frame drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the de-selection operation before the selection operation in response to a synchronization signal. This sequencing ensures that pixel selections do not overlap, maintaining image integrity and preventing frame drops. The pixel selection unit is specifically configured to execute de-selection first, then selection, thereby proactively preventing reliability issues while maintaining efficient operation.
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
Prevents frame drop by ensuring accurate pixel selection and de-selection, maintaining image integrity even with synchronization signal misrecognition, thereby enhancing observation quality in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converter configured to perform photoelectric conversion according to the amount of light received and accumulates a charge
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes: a plurality of pixels arranged into a two-dimensional matrix, configured to receive light from outside, and configured to generate and output an imaging signal according to an amount of light received; a first transfer line connected to the pixel and configured to transfer the imaging signal; a pixel selection unit configured to perform a selection operation of selecting a selection target pixel from among the plurality of pixels in order to read the imaging signal out to the first transfer line and a de-selection operation of canceling the selection of the pixel being selected; and control unit configured to control the pixel selection unit. The control unit performs the selection operation of selecting a new selection target pixel after performing the de-selection operation on the basis of a synchronization signal from outside.