Imaging Device Pixel Block Shift and Readout Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face challenges in efficiently generating high-quality low-resolution data, requiring multiple reads from image sensors, leading to prolonged signal transport and processing times, and often result in reduced visual sharpness and image quality due to simplistic pixel thinning patterns and interlace scanning methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an imaging device with a readout section that shifts pixel blocks by half a phase in a matrix arrangement, allowing for staggered transfer of photo signals through vertical and horizontal paths, and the option to switch between grid and diagonal grid imaging modes to optimize pixel pattern and signal processing, thereby enhancing data quality and reducing processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photo signals are read out individually from each pixel for high-resolution data, then image quality is improved, but signal transport time and processing time are excessively prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device segments the pixel array into multiple banks (e.g., four banks) that can be read out in parallel. Each bank contains a subset of pixels and has its own readout circuitry, allowing simultaneous readout of multiple pixel groups, thereby reducing total readout time while maintaining high-resolution data quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bank dimension in addition to the row and column dimensions of the pixel array. By organizing pixels into multiple banks along the column direction and providing separate readout paths for each bank, the system adds a spatial dimension to the readout architecture, enabling parallel processing and reducing time required for signal transport
2Adaptability or versatility
If resolution conversion is performed outside the image sensor, then low-resolution data can be generated, but signal processing time and memory capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary resolution conversion by providing multiple readout circuits within the image sensor itself that can directly output both high-resolution and low-resolution data formats. This preliminary action of converting resolution at the sensor level eliminates the need for subsequent processing outside the sensor, reducing signal processing time and memory requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The readout circuit acts as an intermediary between the pixel array and external processing systems. It performs resolution conversion internally and provides appropriately formatted data to external devices, eliminating the need for external systems to perform time-consuming processing operations
3Device complexity
If simple pixel thinning patterns are used for low-resolution data generation, then processing complexity is reduced, but visual sharpness and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric dicing patterns where pixel blocks are selectively removed in non-uniform patterns rather than simple regular thinning. The dicing pattern creates an asymmetric arrangement of remaining pixel blocks that maintains visual sharpness by preserving critical sampling information while reducing overall pixel count for low-resolution output
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor apply different dicing patterns tailored to local image characteristics. The patent allows customization of dicing patterns in different areas to optimize both sharpness preservation and data reduction efficiency, applying local quality variations rather than uniform global thinning
4Productivity
If interlace scanning methods are used for low-resolution data generation, then data reduction is achieved, but image quality and sharpness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dicing patterns that can be adjusted based on imaging conditions, subject motion, and resolution requirements. The system can switch between different dicing patterns and adjust their parameters dynamically, allowing optimization of both data reduction efficiency and image sharpness for different应用场景
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters including dicing pattern geometry, block size, spacing, and orientation to optimize the balance between data reduction and sharpness preservation. By varying these parameters adaptively, the patent achieves better image quality compared to fixed interlace scanning methods while maintaining efficient data reduction
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 enables faster data readout, improved image sharpness, and reduced noise, while also simplifying the signal transport sequence and reducing the need for complex optical low-pass filters, thus enhancing the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the imaging device.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photosensors arranged in matrix on a light-receiving surface of the imaging device and generating photo signals according to an amount of received light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device of the present invention includes a plurality of photosensors arranged in matrix on a light-receiving surface and a readout section for adding up photo signals on the photosensors for external output in each pixel block set on the light-receiving surface. The pixel blocks each consists of N (N≧2) photosensors assembled in an array direction of the matrix and the pixel blocks in even number arrays and those in odd number arrays in the matrix are shifted from each other by half a phase in the array direction. With or without execution of the adding-up operation, it is able to switch a pattern of readout pixels from the imaging device between a grid pattern and a diagonal grid pattern.