Imaging Apparatus Signal-to-Noise Ratio Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in achieving a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) when dealing with varying brightness levels in shooting scenes, as the pre-set amplification factor fails to effectively improve S/N ratio in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that uses two or more amplification factors to amplify signal voltage and determines weights for digital conversion based on these factors, combining the signals to optimize image quality across different luminance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a pre-set amplification factor is used to amplify the electrical signal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio cannot be sufficiently improved when brightness levels vary rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the amplification process into multiple independent amplification units, each with a different amplification factor. Instead of using a single amplification factor for the entire image, the system segments the amplification task across multiple parallel paths (first amplification unit and second amplification unit), allowing selective use of appropriate amplification factors for different luminance regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic selection of amplification factors based on luminance information. The system dynamically determines which amplification factor to apply to different regions of the image based on real-time luminance analysis, rather than using a fixed pre-set amplification factor. This dynamic adaptation enables optimal S/N ratio improvement for varying brightness conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple amplification factors are used to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then the signal-to-noise ratio improvement is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple amplified signals through a selection process rather than requiring fully independent processing chains. The first and second amplification units process signals in parallel, but the system combines their outputs by selectively choosing from the amplified signals based on luminance conditions, reducing overall system complexity compared to completely separate processing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the luminance information inherently present in the captured image to automatically determine the appropriate amplification factor for different regions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems or complex manual configuration, allowing the imaging apparatus to autonomously optimize S/N ratio based on the scene's brightness distribution.
3Ease of operation
If amplification factor is determined in advance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to varying brightness levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple amplification factors in advance (first amplification factor and second amplification factor) and stores them ready for use. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly switch between pre-computed amplification factors based on luminance conditions, maintaining ease of operation while improving adaptability. The amplification factors are determined beforehand but remain selectable based on real-time scene analysis.
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 improved S/N ratio regardless of luminance levels by dynamically adjusting amplification factors based on luminance information, such as average and standard deviation, enhancing image quality in varying brightness conditions.
Implementation Method 1
signal charge obtained by photoelectric conversion of an optical image of an object
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus amplifies signal voltage resulting from voltage conversion of signal charge obtained by photoelectric conversion of an optical image of an object and then performs digital conversion to the signal voltage. The imaging apparatus includes an amplifier circuit that amplifies the signal voltage using two or more amplification factors that are set, a weight determining unit configured to determine weights for the respective signals subjected to the digital conversion after the amplification based on the two or more amplification factors, and a combining unit configured to combine the two or more signals subjected to the digital conversion after the amplification using the weights.