Imaging Device Pixel Segmentation for Frame Rate and Complexity Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face challenges in maintaining frame rate when switching between low and high resolution imaging, requiring complex exposure control and timing adjustments, and are not optimized for driving frequency during high-resolution image reading.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a pixel region that reads a thinned-out image in low resolution from one set of pixel elements and a partial image in higher resolution from a different set of pixel elements, using distinct accumulation periods and imaging frames to simplify the reading process and prevent frame rate decrease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same pixel element is used for both low resolution and high resolution imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but frame rate decreases due to chronological reading requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into two distinct groups: first pixel elements dedicated to low resolution imaging and second pixel elements dedicated to high resolution imaging. This segmentation allows parallel reading operations for both resolutions simultaneously, eliminating the chronological reading requirement that previously reduced frame rate. The physical separation of pixel element groups enables independent readout paths that operate concurrently without interference.
2Ease of operation
If both low resolution and high resolution images are obtained from the same frame, then reading process is simplified, but exposure control and gain adjustment become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into first pixel elements for low resolution imaging and second pixel elements for high resolution imaging, with each group having independent exposure control and gain adjustment capabilities. This segmentation allows separate optimization of exposure parameters for each resolution level without interfering with the other, simplifying the overall control strategy compared to trying to manage both resolutions from a single unified exposure sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
Different exposure control parameters and gain settings are applied locally to different pixel element groups based on their specific imaging requirements. The first pixel elements receive exposure control optimized for low resolution wide-area imaging, while the second pixel elements receive exposure control optimized for high resolution detailed imaging. This local quality approach allows each region to operate at its optimal performance point independently.
3Measurement precision
If multiple high resolution images are read, then image quality is improved, but frame rate changes due to reading frequency requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into dedicated high resolution pixel elements that can be read out independently and simultaneously with low resolution pixels. This enables the system to capture multiple high resolution images at different frame rates as needed, with each pixel element group operating at its optimal reading frequency. The second pixel elements can be read multiple times per frame cycle to achieve multiple high resolution captures without compromising the overall frame rate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading frequency and timing are made dynamic and adjustable for different pixel element groups. The system can adaptively change the reading frequency of the second pixel elements to capture multiple high resolution images when needed, while maintaining stable operation for the first pixel elements. This dynamic reading strategy allows flexible adjustment of frame rates for different resolutions based on application requirements.
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 seamless switching between low and high resolution imaging without complicating the reading process, maintaining frame rate and simplifying exposure control, while enabling efficient high-resolution image capture with different driving frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel region (121) including a plurality of pixel elements (121a) and imaging an incident light of an object as an image
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an imaging device which eliminates complexity in reading an image in low resolution and reading an image in high resolution and realizes prevention of decrease in frame rate. The device includes a pixel region including a plurality of pixel elements and imaging an incident light of an object as an image and a reading unit for thinning out a pixel element from the pixel region to read a thinned out image in low resolution and reading a partial image in resolution higher than the thinned out image from a partial region of the pixel region (a horizontal shift register and a vertical shift register), wherein the reading unit reads the thinned out image and the partial image from mutually different pixel elements and reads the thinned out image and the partial image as different imaging frames.