Imaging Device Pixel Block Segmentation for Flexible Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in setting flexible exposure periods for pixel blocks, leading to reduced image quality due to rigid control configurations and increased complexity, especially when trying to capture moving objects or varying light conditions.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device divides pixels into multiple blocks with different sizes, allowing for independent control of exposure periods and amplifier gains across these blocks, enabling flexible exposure settings without increasing control complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the size of pixel blocks is reduced to improve flexibility in setting exposure periods, then the flexibility in setting exposure period is improved, but the number of pixel blocks and signal lines increases, resulting in complicated control and reduced opening ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the pixel array into multiple pixel blocks of different sizes (first pixel blocks with first size, second pixel blocks with second size). This segmentation allows different exposure periods to be set for different block sizes, providing flexibility without requiring every single pixel to be independently controllable. The third pixel blocks arranged between first and second pixel blocks enable smooth transitions and maintain control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pixel blocks are assigned different sizes and exposure periods according to local imaging requirements. The first pixel blocks, second pixel blocks, and third pixel blocks can have different accumulation periods suited to their specific regions, allowing optimal exposure settings for varying object conditions while maintaining a manageable number of control units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of pixel blocks is reduced to improve flexibility in setting exposure periods, then the flexibility in setting exposure period is improved, but the opening ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into blocks of different sizes rather than using uniformly small blocks, the design achieves flexibility in exposure period setting while maintaining larger overall block structures that preserve higher opening ratios. The mixed-size block approach avoids the opening ratio penalty of complete fine-grained segmentation.
3Device complexity
If predefined pixel block sizes are used to simplify control configuration, then the control complexity is reduced, but the flexibility in setting exposure periods is limited, reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple types of pixel blocks (first, second, and third pixel blocks) with different sizes and exposure period characteristics. This segmentation provides flexibility in exposure period setting while maintaining a manageable control structure through the use of discrete block types rather than continuous customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device employs asymmetric pixel block sizes where first pixel blocks have a first size, second pixel blocks have a second size, and third pixel blocks are arranged between them. This asymmetric design allows different exposure periods to be optimized for different regions while maintaining control simplicity through the use of distinct block categories.
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 enhances image quality by allowing suitable exposure settings for varying conditions, such as moving objects or dark backgrounds, while maintaining a simpler control configuration and reducing the number of signal lines.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pixels includes a photoelectric converter
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes pixels each including a photoelectric converter, and a control unit that controls an accumulation period for charge in the pixels. The pixels are divided into pixel blocks, the control unit is configured to control the accumulation period for each pixel block, the pixel blocks include first and second pixel blocks and a third pixel block arranged between the first and second pixel blocks, and the control unit includes a mode to commonly control the accumulation period in the first and third pixel blocks and control the accumulation period in the second pixel block independently of that of the first and third pixel blocks, and a mode to commonly control the accumulation period in the second and third pixel blocks and control the accumulation period in the first pixel block independently of that of the second and third pixel blocks.