Imaging Pixel Array Temperature-Based Signal Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in expanding their dynamic range while suppressing noise, particularly due to temperature rises, which affect the combination of pixel signals from multiple imaging pixels.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a pixel array comprising first, second, and third partial pixels, where the third partial pixel signal is added to either the first or second partial pixel signal based on the temperature of the pixel array, using an addition processor to control pixel addition and thereby manage noise and dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pixel signals from multiple imaging pixels are combined to expand imaging dynamic range, then imaging dynamic range is improved, but noise is amplified due to temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts pixel addition strategy based on temperature conditions. At lower temperatures, pixels are added to expand dynamic range, while at higher temperatures, the addition is restricted or avoided to prevent noise amplification. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by changing the system behavior according to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pixel signal combination based on temperature. By monitoring temperature and adjusting whether to add pixel signals accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between dynamic range expansion and noise suppression, resolving the technical contradiction through parameter adaptation.
2Reliability
If third partial pixel signal is added to first or second partial pixel signal, then imaging dynamic range is expanded, but noise increases with temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the addition of the third partial pixel signal based on temperature conditions. When temperature is low, the third pixel signal is added to expand dynamic range. When temperature rises, the addition is restricted or stopped to prevent noise amplification, thus resolving the contradiction through dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent takes preliminary action by monitoring temperature before performing pixel addition. When temperature exceeds a threshold, the system preemptively prevents the addition operation that would cause noise amplification, thus avoiding the harmful effect before it occurs.
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 approach allows for the expansion of imaging dynamic range while effectively suppressing noise caused by temperature increases, maintaining performance similar to comparative examples without altering shutter ratios, thus preventing noise-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels including a first partial pixel, a second partial pixel, and a third partial pixel are arranged
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels including a first partial pixel, a second partial pixel, and a third partial pixel are arranged; and an addition processor that adds, for each of the pixels, a third partial pixel signal generated from the third partial pixel to either one of a first partial pixel signal generated from the first partial pixel and a second partial pixel signal generated from the second partial pixel, on the basis of a temperature of the pixel array.