Solid-state imaging device signal composition for live view
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state imaging devices face increased processing loads when providing live view displays due to lower liquid crystal monitor resolution compared to the imaging device, requiring signal composition processing that slows down the output of optimal signals for live view displays.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging device with a two-dimensional array of pixels that includes a vertical scanning circuit, horizontal scanning circuit, composition circuit, and conversion circuits to generate and transmit composite digital signals directly to a horizontal signal line, allowing for either column A/D or horizontal A/D conversion to optimize signal output for live view displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If signal composition processing is executed to combine output signals from various pixels according to liquid crystal monitor resolution, then live view display compatibility is improved, but processing load and output time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing pixels into column groups with dedicated composition circuits that continuously prepare composite signals according to the liquid crystal monitor's resolution requirements. This pre-processing allows the system to quickly switch between different display resolutions without performing full composition processing at the moment of display update, thereby maintaining both adaptability and high output speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal composition processing is executed to combine output signals from various pixels, then live view display compatibility is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pixel array into multiple column groups, with each group processed by a dedicated composition circuit. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different signal groups, reducing the overall processing complexity while maintaining the ability to generate composite signals suitable for liquid crystal monitor display. Each segment handles a specific portion of the composition task independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by arranging pixels in a three-dimensional structure with column groups and row groups, adding a spatial dimension to the signal processing architecture. This dimensional reorganization enables more efficient signal routing and composition, reducing processing complexity while maintaining adaptability to different display resolutions.
3Speed
If column A/D conversion circuits are provided for each vertical signal line, then digitization speed is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple A/D conversion functions into shared horizontal A/D conversion circuits that serve multiple column groups. Instead of providing dedicated A/D converters for every vertical signal line, the system merges conversion resources horizontally, maintaining high digitization throughput while significantly reducing the total number of A/D converters required, thus easing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of pixels disposed in a two-dimensional array that individually output analog pixel signals corresponding to amounts of light received thereat, a vertical scanning circuit that selects a pixel row, vertical signal lines each installed in correspondence to a pixel column, through which the pixel signals output from pixels belonging to the row selected by the vertical scanning circuit are transmitted, a horizontal scanning circuit that selects a plurality of pixel columns simultaneously, a composition circuit that combines pixel signals corresponding to the columns selected simultaneously by the horizontal scanning circuit, among the pixel signals output to the vertical signal lines, a first conversion circuit that converts the analog composite pixel signal generated at the composition circuit to a digital signal and a horizontal signal line through which the pixel signal digitized at the first conversion circuit is transmitted.