Mixed-Sensitivity Pixel Array for HDR Imaging Without Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensing devices struggle to capture a wide range of light intensities without saturating pixels, limiting their dynamic range and image quality.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device comprising a pixel array with a mix of high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity pixels, where the image signal processor generates a high dynamic range (HDR) image by synthesizing data from both types of pixels, optimizing their ratios and exposure times to prevent motion artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of pixel is used in the image sensing device, then the device structure is simple, but the dynamic range is limited and cannot capture both high and low light intensities effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple types of pixels with different sensitivity characteristics. Specifically, the patent divides the pixel array into first pixels with higher sensitivity and second pixels with lower sensitivity, allowing each segment to handle different light intensity ranges effectively. This segmentation enables the system to capture both high and low light intensities without saturation while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular pixel design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different local qualities in terms of sensitivity. The first pixels are optimized for capturing low light intensities with high sensitivity, while the second pixels are optimized for capturing high light intensities with lower sensitivity to avoid saturation. This local differentiation of pixel properties allows the entire array to adapt to varying light conditions across different spatial locations
2Measurement precision
If high sensitivity pixels are used to capture low light intensity, then the signal strength is improved, but the pixels saturate when exposed to high light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels with high sensitivity for low light intensity detection and second pixels with lower sensitivity for high light intensity detection. By dividing the pixel population into these functional segments, the system can simultaneously detect both weak and strong signals without any single pixel type saturating, as each segment operates within its optimal dynamic range
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitivity parameter of the pixels is varied across the pixel array. First pixels are designed with higher sensitivity parameters to amplify weak signals, while second pixels are designed with lower sensitivity parameters to handle strong signals without saturation. This parameter differentiation allows the system to adapt to both low and high light intensity conditions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low sensitivity pixels are used to capture high light intensity, then the saturation is prevented, but the signal strength for low light intensity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels with high sensitivity for low light intensity detection and second pixels with lower sensitivity for high light intensity detection. By dividing the pixel population into these functional segments, the system can simultaneously detect both weak and strong signals without any single pixel type saturating, as each segment operates within its optimal dynamic range
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitivity parameter of the pixels is varied across the pixel array. First pixels are designed with higher sensitivity parameters to amplify weak signals, while second pixels are designed with lower sensitivity parameters to handle strong signals without saturation. This parameter differentiation allows the system to adapt to both low and high light intensity conditions
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of pixels with different sensitivities are used, then the dynamic range is extended, but the ratio of pixel types must be optimized to avoid motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels with higher sensitivity and second pixels with lower sensitivity, allowing each segment to handle different light intensity ranges effectively. This segmentation enables the system to capture both high and low light intensities without saturation while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular pixel design
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitivity parameter of the pixels is varied across the pixel array. First pixels are designed with higher sensitivity parameters to amplify weak signals, while second pixels are designed with lower sensitivity parameters to handle strong signals without saturation. This parameter differentiation allows the system to adapt to both low and high light intensity conditions
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
The solution enables the capture of high dynamic range images with improved image quality by effectively utilizing both high and low sensitivity pixels, enhancing the device's ability to handle varying light conditions without saturation.
Implementation Method 1
converting light into electrical signals using a photosensitive semiconductor material which reacts to light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an image sensing device and an image signal processor. The imaging sensing device includes a pixel array of sensing pixels comprising a first pixel for sensing incident light and having a first dynamic range and a second pixel for sensing incident light and having a second dynamic range, the pixel array of sensing pixels structured to have a ratio of a number of the first pixels to all sensing pixels to be higher than a ratio of a number of second pixels to all sensing pixels. The image signal processor is configured to receive and process pixel data from the image sensing device to generate a high dynamic range (HDR) image corresponding to a larger dynamic range than the first dynamic range or the second dynamic range, based on pixel data of the first pixels and pixel data of the second pixels in the pixel array.