Solid-State Imaging Device Shutter Read Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-state imaging devices face challenges in continuously displaying images captured by different image capturing modes due to the generation of invalid frames when switching between different pixel driving modes, such as all-pixel read mode, horizontal/vertical 2/2 read mode, and horizontal/vertical 3/3 read mode, as the storage times for pixel rows are not equal, leading to output of invalid data.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state imaging device with a 1V delay circuit and a 1/n frequency dividing circuit is implemented, where the shutter operation is changed to a new mode while keeping the read operation in the current mode for one frame, and then switching the read operation to the new mode in the next frame, ensuring equal storage times for all pixel rows across frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pixel driving mode is changed between shutter operation and read operation to enable continuous display of images in different capturing modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the storage times for pixel rows become unequal leading to invalid data output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous display capabilityVSAvoiddata validity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by changing the shutter operation mode in advance before the read operation. Specifically, when switching from a first driving mode to a second driving mode, the shutter operation is changed to the second mode one frame ahead, while the read operation remains in the first mode for one frame. This preliminary mode switching ensures that storage times remain equal across all pixel rows, preventing invalid data while enabling continuous display in different capturing modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the shutter operation and read operation are changed to the same new mode simultaneously, then the device complexity is reduced, but the storage times for pixel rows become unequal causing invalid frames

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic simplicityVSAvoidframe validity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a one-frame delay mechanism where the read operation mode changes one frame after the shutter operation mode. This temporal separation ensures that when the shutter operation switches to a new mode, the read operation continues in the previous mode for one frame, maintaining equal storage times and preventing invalid frames while adding minimal control logic complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If different pixel driving modes are used for shutter and read operations, then the image capturing versatility is improved, but the storage time equality is lost leading to invalid data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capturing mode flexibilityVSAvoidstorage time equality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains storage time equality by implementing a staged mode transition: the shutter operation changes to the new mode one frame in advance, while the read operation remains in the original mode for one frame. This ensures that during the critical period when both operations are active, they use the same mode parameters, guaranteeing equal storage times and valid data output while still allowing mode switching for versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 continuous output of images without invalid data, maintaining equal storage times for all pixel rows, enabling seamless display of images captured by different image capturing modes.

Implementation Method 1

a 1V delay circuit and a 1/n frequency dividing circuit is implemented, where the shutter operation is changed to a new mode while keeping the read operation in the current mode for one frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime delay:

Implementation Method 2

a 1V delay circuit and a 1/n frequency dividing circuit is implemented

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency division:

Data Source

PatentUS7821571B2Solid-state imaging device, method of driving solid-state imaging device, and imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel array section having a plurality of unit pixels, each including a photoelectric conversion element, arranged therein; driving means for performing a shutter operation for removing charge stored in the photoelectric conversion element and a read operation for reading the charge of an electric signal that is obtained by the photoelectric conversion of the photoelectric conversion element and is then stored in the photoelectric conversion element; and control means, when a unit pixel driving mode is changed from a first driving mode to a second driving mode in the units of frames, for changing the shutter operation to the second driving mode while keeping the read operation in the first driving mode for a period corresponding to one frame in the current frame, and changing the read operation to the second driving mode in the next frame.