Solid Imaging Element Threshold Adjustment for Dark Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asynchronous solid imaging elements face a deterioration in I-V conversion characteristics due to dark current at low luminous intensity, leading to decreased contrast sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature measurement unit and a setting unit that adjusts thresholds based on measured temperature and photocurrent values to correct for the temperature dependence of dark current, thereby improving the detection sensitivity and reducing the impact of dark current on I-V conversion characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If asynchronous solid imaging element is used to achieve faster response, then response speed is improved, but dark current deteriorates I-V conversion characteristic at low luminous intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the threshold parameter dynamically based on temperature measurements to compensate for dark current effects. The setting unit changes the threshold value according to temperature conditions, which directly addresses the deterioration of I-V conversion characteristic caused by dark current while maintaining the asynchronous imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature measurement unit continuously monitors temperature and feeds this information to the setting unit, which then adjusts the threshold accordingly. This closed-loop control compensates for temperature-dependent dark current variations, maintaining reliable I-V conversion characteristics
2Device complexity
If threshold is fixed to simplify detection, then device complexity is reduced, but contrast sensitivity decreases due to dark current effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the threshold parameter based on temperature conditions rather than using a fixed threshold. This adaptation maintains high contrast sensitivity by compensating for dark current effects without requiring complex additional detection circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own temperature measurement capability to automatically adjust its detection threshold. The solid imaging element self-regulates its detection parameters based on internal temperature conditions, eliminating the need for external complex control systems
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
Enhances the contrast sensitivity of the solid imaging element by accurately setting thresholds, effectively mitigating the deterioration caused by dark current at low luminous intensity.
Implementation Method 1
a light reception element that outputs an electric signal in accordance with incident light
Implementation Method 2
a temperature measurement unit that measures temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A solid imaging element (11a) according to an embodiment includes: a light reception element (402) that outputs an electric signal in accordance with incident light, a detection unit (30) that detects whether a change quantity of the electric signal output from the light reception element has exceeded a threshold, and outputs a detection signal expressing a detection result of the detection, a temperature measurement unit (51) that measures temperature, and a setting unit (52) that sets the threshold on the basis of the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit.