Imaging Apparatus Pixel Reset Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses experience significant fluctuations in power supply voltage during pixel reset operations, leading to inaccuracies in signal generation and A/D conversion due to simultaneous reset of multiple pixels, which has not been effectively addressed in previous technologies.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus differentiates the timing for resetting the potentials of converting units, input units, and reference signal units between pixels, and uses longer or higher resistance electrical paths for some pixels to reduce simultaneous current feed to the power supply line, thereby minimizing voltage fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pixels are reset simultaneously, then the reset operation is completed efficiently, but voltage fluctuations occur in the power supply line
Solution Approach 1:
The reset operation is segmented into multiple phases with different timing for different pixel groups. Pixels are divided into first pixels and second pixels, where second pixels are reset earlier than first pixels, preventing simultaneous current draw and reducing voltage fluctuations in the power supply line.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset operation for second pixels is performed in advance before the reset operation for first pixels. This preliminary action ensures that the power supply voltage stabilizes before additional current is drawn by the first pixels, thereby preventing voltage fluctuations.
2Reliability
If reset timing is differentiated between pixels, then voltage fluctuations are reduced, but the reset operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into at least two groups (first pixels and second pixels) with different reset timing. This segmentation allows the control unit to manage reset operations in a structured manner, differentiating timing between groups while maintaining overall system control.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset timing is made dynamic and adjustable for different pixel groups. The control unit can flexibly control the reset timing of first pixels and second pixels independently, allowing optimization of power supply stability without rigid constraints.
3Reliability
If electrical path length is increased for some pixels, then current draw timing is staggered, but the electrical path becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
Different electrical path characteristics are assigned to different pixel groups. Second pixels are configured with longer electrical paths from the power supply line compared to first pixels, creating local variations in path length that result in staggered current draw timing and reduced voltage fluctuations.
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 reduces voltage fluctuations in the power supply, enhancing the accuracy of signal generation and A/D conversion by controlling the reset timing and electrical path lengths, thus improving the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a converting unit configured to generate an electric signal based on an incident electromagnetic wave
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an imaging apparatus including an A/D converting unit, wherein reset periods for a plurality of pixels are differentiated.