Imaging Device Row Parallel Processing High Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to capture high dynamic range images effectively, as they often saturate in bright areas while failing to detect dim light sources, due to limitations in selecting appropriate integration periods and reset mechanisms, leading to reduced contrast and accuracy in varying lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of row parallel processing to determine and adjust integration periods for each pixel during the readout sequence, allowing for conditional resets based on light-induced charge comparisons, enabling accurate detection of both bright and dim light sources within the same scene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integration period is used for all pixels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to saturation in bright areas and failure to detect dim light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging array into multiple segments (rows or groups of pixels), with each segment capable of using different integration periods. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of both bright and dim light sources across different segments, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision by distributing the complexity across multiple simple, independently controllable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic integration period selection where the integration period for each pixel or row can be adjusted based on the detected light intensity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize measurement precision for varying lighting conditions without requiring a completely complex pre-configured system, as the integration period is determined in real-time during the imaging process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple integration periods are implemented with conditional resets, then the dynamic range is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuits and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the integration period selection function with the existing row parallel processing architecture. By combining multiple integration period operations within the unified row parallel processing framework, the system achieves extended dynamic range capability without proportionally increasing control circuitry complexity. The same processing infrastructure handles both the integration period determination and the actual pixel readout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of integration periods for subsequent rows based on light intensity detection from previous rows. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare and configure integration period settings in advance, reducing the real-time control complexity during actual imaging while maintaining adaptability across varying lighting conditions.
3Measurement precision
If row parallel processing is used to determine integration periods, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity decreases due to additional processing time during readout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling and determination of integration periods during the row parallel readout process. Rather than determining integration periods continuously or for every single pixel, the system periodically samples light intensity and determines integration periods for groups of rows. This periodic approach maintains measurement precision while reducing the overall processing time and improving productivity by processing rows in efficient batches.
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 significantly enhances the dynamic range of imaging devices, reducing noise and saturation, and maintaining high readout resolution across a wide range of light levels, allowing for accurate representation of both bright and dim objects in the same image without exposure adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
read an indication of the light induced charge for each pixel of the row
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to improved imaging devices having high dynamic range and to monitoring and automatic control systems incorporating the improved imaging devices.