Imaging Sensor Dual Accumulation Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging sensors with global electronic shutters lack effective methods to expand dynamic range and manage noise differences between signals accumulated during different exposure periods, limiting their ability to capture a wide range of light intensities without significant noise interference.
Innovation Solution
The imaging sensor employs a configuration with multiple accumulation periods and corresponding amplification factors, where signals from each period are amplified and compared using column circuit units to generate comparison result signals, allowing for dynamic range expansion and noise reduction by selecting appropriate signals for image generation based on light quantity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If signals are accumulated during different accumulation periods to expand dynamic range, then the ability to capture a wide range of light intensities is improved, but noise differences between signals from different accumulation times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the amplification factor parameter in column circuit units based on the accumulation period. Signals accumulated during different periods are amplified by different factors to compensate for noise differences, allowing the system to maintain consistent signal quality across varying light intensities while expanding dynamic range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the amplification factor in column circuit units according to the accumulation period and signal characteristics. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different lighting conditions and accumulate periods, optimizing signal quality while expanding the captureable light intensity range
2Illumination intensity
If multiple signal holding units are provided to hold signals from different accumulation periods, then dynamic range expansion is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into multiple holding units within column circuit units, with each unit dedicated to holding signals from specific accumulation periods. This segmentation allows independent processing and amplification of signals from different periods, achieving dynamic range expansion while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization
3Object-generated harmful factors
If amplification factors are adjusted in column circuit units based on accumulation period, then noise differences are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the amplification factor in column circuit units based on the accumulation period. This parameter adjustment compensates for noise differences between signals accumulated during different periods, reducing overall noise impact while maintaining a relatively simple control structure through systematic parameter variation
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 effectively expands the dynamic range of the imaging sensor, reduces noise differences between signals from different accumulation times, and optimizes image generation by selecting the appropriate signals based on light intensity, thereby improving the overall image quality.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel including a photoelectric conversion unit, a transfer unit, a signal holding unit, and a pixel output unit. In the corresponding pixel, the photoelectric conversion unit respectively accumulates signals during a first accumulation period and a second accumulation period
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging sensor is configured to generate a signal that is obtained by amplifying one of a signal corresponding to a first accumulation period and a signal corresponding to a second accumulation period by using amplification factors having different values.