Light Emission Control for Noise Suppression in Solid State Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic apparatuses with ranging functions, the integration of a solid state imaging element and a light emission section for capturing image data and emitting intermittent light leads to noise generation due to voltage or current fluctuations, which can be mitigated by separating power sources or adding resistance, but this increases circuit complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a light emission control system that sets a prohibition period during which the light emission is halted to prevent noise generation, allowing the imaging section to capture data without interference from light emission start or stop events, and includes a light emission control section to manage this prohibition period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a solid state imaging element is added to capture image data, then image capture capability is improved, but noise is generated due to voltage or current fluctuations when the light emission section starts or stops light emission
Solution Approach 1:
The prohibition period setting section proactively identifies and sets prohibition periods before noise-generating events occur. By predicting when voltage or current fluctuations will happen during light emission start/stop operations, the system preemptively prevents noise generation in the solid state imaging element during these critical transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The prohibition period setting section acts as an intermediary control mechanism between the light emission section and the solid state imaging element. It mediates their operations by coordinating timing, ensuring that the imaging element does not operate during periods when the light emission section is transitioning, thus preventing noise transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power sources are separated or high resistance is inserted to reduce noise, then noise suppression is improved, but circuit scale and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the noise prevention function from the power source system itself and places it in the control system. Instead of modifying the power delivery infrastructure (separating power sources or adding resistance), the prohibition period setting section extracts and manages the timing coordination function, preventing noise at its source through control logic rather than hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces physical noise filtering mechanisms (such as separate power sources, resistors, or shielding hardware) with a software-based timing control system. The prohibition period setting section uses logical control and timing coordination to prevent noise generation, substituting mechanical/electrical noise suppression approaches with a smarter control algorithm.
3Productivity
If light emission is continuously operated for ranging, then ranging functionality is improved, but noise generation in the imaging section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements periodic coordination between light emission operations and imaging operations. The prohibition period setting section establishes regular timing patterns where light emission start/stop events are synchronized with non-imaging periods, creating a rhythmic operation pattern that prevents noise during imaging while maintaining continuous ranging capability through periodic light emission cycles.
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 solution effectively suppresses noise in the imaging section by prohibiting light emission during periods of potential noise generation, enhancing image quality without the need for separate power sources or additional circuit components, thus simplifying the design and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging section that captures image data
Implementation Method 2
a light emission section that emits irradiation light
Data Source
AI summary
Noise is suppressed in an electronic apparatus including a light emission section and a solid state imaging element. The electronic apparatus includes an imaging section, a prohibition period setting section, and a light emission section. In the electronic apparatus, the imaging section captures image data. The light emission section emits irradiation light. The prohibition period setting section sets, as a prohibition period, a period during which noise is generated in the imaging section due to start or stoppage of light emission of the irradiation light. A light emission control section controls the light emission section so as to prohibit start and stoppage of the light emission during the prohibition period.