Solid State Imaging Apparatus Signal Output Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid state imaging apparatuses face complexity in operations and image quality issues due to the need to hold signals from subsequent pixel mixture units during vertical scanning and the occurrence of false colors when dealing with moving images, which results in poor image quality.
Innovation Solution
A solid state imaging apparatus with a signal output mechanism that sequentially outputs charge signals from pixels with the same color filters, eliminating the need to hold signals from adjacent pixels and using a dual driving circuit system to average pixel signals in moving image mode, preventing pixel omission and false colors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sequential scanning is performed in the vertical direction through the pixel mixture units, then the pixel mixture function is achieved, but signals from subsequent pixel mixture units must be held, increasing operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple pixel mixture units (first, second, third pixel mixture units) with different mixture ratios. By segmenting the pixel array and assigning different mixture ratios to different units, the system can handle multiple scanning directions and mixture requirements simultaneously without needing to hold signals, thus reducing operation complexity while maintaining pixel mixture functionality.
2Speed
If interlaced scanning is used to deal with moving images, then scanning speed is improved, but pixel information is omitted causing false colors and poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the scanning method based on the imaging mode. In moving image mode, it switches from interlaced scanning to sequential scanning in the vertical direction, ensuring all pixel information is captured without omission. This dynamic adjustment maintains high scanning speed while preventing false colors and image quality degradation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signals from subsequent pixel mixture units are held during scanning, then pixel mixture is achieved, but the circuit configuration becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple pixel mixture units with different mixture ratios (e.g., 2:2:2, 3:1:2, 4:0:4). This segmentation allows each unit to be processed independently with its own scanning sequence, eliminating the need to hold signals from subsequent units and simplifying the circuit configuration while maintaining full pixel mixture capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If sequential scanning is performed row by row, then all pixel information is captured, but scanning time increases and moving image performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between different scanning directions and pixel mixture units. In moving image mode, it performs sequential scanning in the vertical direction through multiple pixel mixture units in a periodic sequence, ensuring all pixel information is captured while reducing total scanning time compared to traditional row-by-row scanning.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state imaging apparatus which includes a plurality of pixels two-dimensionally arranged in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction and every two vertically or horizontally adjacent ones of the plurality of pixels have color filters of different colors. In a predetermined period of time, charge signals received from ones of the plurality of pixels arranged in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction which include color filters of the same color (represented by circles) are sequentially output.