Imaging Device Switchable Modes Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in achieving both wide-dynamic-range shooting and high-resolution shooting while maintaining image quality, as they often result in uneven illuminance and longer frame rates, especially when capturing moving objects.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a configuration with first and second pixel cells, each with a photoelectric conversion layer and signal detection circuits, and a voltage supply circuit that adjusts sensitivity by varying the voltage applied to auxiliary electrodes, allowing switching between wide-dynamic-range and high-resolution modes without extending exposure time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different exposure times are used for high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity elements to achieve wide dynamic range, then dynamic range is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to uneven illuminance and longer frame rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different regions of the photoelectric conversion layer have different sensitivities. Specifically, a first region has higher sensitivity than a second region, allowing each region to be optimized for different lighting conditions. This enables the high-sensitivity region to capture dark areas while the low-sensitivity region captures bright areas without overflow, achieving wide dynamic range while maintaining uniform image quality across the entire image.
2Measurement precision
If exposure time is extended for low-sensitivity elements to improve resolution, then resolution is improved, but frame rate decreases and image deterioration occurs for moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photoelectric conversion layer into multiple regions with different sensitivities. The low-sensitivity region can use shorter exposure times to maintain high frame rates, while the high-sensitivity region compensates by capturing more light per unit time. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high resolution and high frame rate simultaneously, particularly benefiting moving object capture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high-sensitivity elements are used to improve low-light performance, then sensitivity is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to noise and uneven illuminance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different sensitivity levels to different regions of the photoelectric conversion layer. The high-sensitivity region is strategically placed to capture dark areas where enhanced sensitivity is needed, while the low-sensitivity region handles bright areas to avoid saturation and noise. This localized sensitivity differentiation improves overall image quality by preventing the noise and uneven illuminance problems that would occur if the entire sensor had uniformly high sensitivity.
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 configuration enables simultaneous wide-dynamic-range and high-resolution shooting, reducing image deterioration and maintaining high frame rates, suitable for capturing moving objects without the drawbacks of differing exposure times between high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity elements.
Implementation Method 1
Image sensors using photoelectric conversion have been in widespread use
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device which includes a counter electrode, a first pixel electrode facing the counter electrode, a second pixel electrode facing the counter electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer sandwiched between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and the counter electrode, a first signal detection circuit electrically connected to the second pixel electrode, and a first switching element connected between the first pixel electrode and the first signal detection circuit.