Imaging Device Row Voltage Control Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state imaging devices lack the ability to selectively change the sensitivity of individual pixel cells, which is necessary for capturing images with a large dynamic range without causing blown out highlights or blocked up shadows, especially when photographing moving objects or scenes with varying light intensities.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a voltage supply circuit that selectively applies different voltages to the signal line connected to the imaging cells, allowing for the adjustment of sensitivity by changing the potential difference between the pixel electrode and the opposite electrode, enabling flexible sensitivity control on a row-by-row or cell-by-cell basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sensitivity setting is used for all imaging cells, then the device structure remains simple, but the dynamic range is limited causing blown out highlights or blocked up shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensitivity control functions into a single voltage supply circuit that can selectively apply different voltages to different rows of imaging cells. This merging approach reduces the overall number of separate control circuits needed while still achieving per-row sensitivity adjustment, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage supply circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it can supply different voltages to different rows, control sensitivity levels, and manage charge accumulation timing. This multi-functional design allows a single circuit to replace what would otherwise require multiple dedicated circuits, achieving sensitivity adjustment capability while limiting the growth of device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If voltage supply circuitry is added to each imaging cell for sensitivity control, then sensitivity adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging device into row-based units, where each row can be independently controlled by the voltage supply circuitry. This segmentation allows sensitivity adjustment to be applied selectively to specific rows rather than requiring individual control of every single imaging cell, reducing the overall circuit complexity while maintaining selective control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage supply circuit acts as an intermediary between the control system and the imaging cells, providing a centralized control mechanism that can selectively adjust sensitivity for different rows. This intermediary approach avoids the need for complex individual control circuits in each imaging cell while still achieving fine-grained sensitivity control
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 the capture of images with improved dynamic range by selectively changing the sensitivity of imaging cells, reducing the occurrence of blown out highlights and blocked up shadows, and enabling the simultaneous capture of images with different sensitivities in a single photographing process.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion device including a lower electrode, an upper transparent electrode, and a photoelectric conversion film interposed between the lower electrode and the upper transparent electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device including an imaging cell including a photoelectric converter including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a first transistor one of a source and a drain of which is coupled to the first electrode; and voltage supply circuitry coupled to the other of the source and the drain of the first transistor, the voltage supply circuitry being configured to supply a first voltage in a first period and a second voltage different from the first voltage in a second period different from the first period.