Synthesis Circuit for Multi-Element Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanner technologies face challenges in accurately combining image data from multiple line sensors when scanning at resolutions lower than the resolution of the photoelectric conversion elements, leading to suboptimal image quality due to misalignment and manufacturing errors.
Innovation Solution
A scanner configuration that includes a synthesis circuit to adjust and combine the outputs of multiple photoelectric conversion elements based on control signals, ensuring accurate alignment and synthesis of image data even at lower scanning resolutions by selecting appropriate positions for the line sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple line sensors are used to scan at resolutions lower than the photoelectric conversion element resolution, then scanning coverage and productivity are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to inaccurate combining of line sensor outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the synthesis circuit configurable and adaptive. The circuit can dynamically select different synthesis methods (overlapping addition, maximum value selection, average value calculation) based on the required scanning resolution and image quality requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between productivity and image quality for different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of synthesis position selection. By allowing flexible selection of which photoelectric conversion element outputs to synthesize and how to combine them, the system can adjust the synthesis parameters to match the desired output resolution. This parameter change enables accurate image reconstruction even when scanning at resolutions lower than the native photoelectric conversion element resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outputs of multiple photoelectric conversion elements are combined to achieve lower resolution scanning, then device versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the photoelectric conversion element array into multiple independent output channels, each corresponding to a specific element or group of elements. The synthesis circuit then selectively combines outputs from different segments based on the required resolution. This segmentation approach allows precise control over which elements contribute to the final image, improving alignment accuracy despite the versatility of operating at multiple resolutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthesis circuit acts as an intermediary between the photoelectric conversion elements and the final image output. It mediates the combining process by implementing specific synthesis algorithms (overlapping addition, maximum value, average value) that compensate for alignment errors. This intermediary processing step ensures measurement precision is maintained even when combining outputs from multiple elements for lower resolution scanning.
3Device complexity
If line sensor outputs are synthesized without precise position selection, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to synthesis errors
Solution Approach 1:
The synthesis circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple synthesis methods within a single circuit architecture. It can perform overlapping addition, maximum value selection, and average value calculation using the same basic circuit structure. This universality allows the circuit to maintain relatively low complexity while still achieving high image fidelity through appropriate selection of synthesis methods based on the operating 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
This approach enhances the image quality of synthesized image data by accurately aligning and combining outputs from multiple line sensors, even when scanning at resolutions below the maximum capacity of the photoelectric conversion elements, thereby improving overall image fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
multiple photoelectric conversion elements, and a synthesis circuit that synthesizes outputs of n photoelectric conversion elements
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor chip includes multiple photoelectric conversion elements, and a synthesis circuit that synthesizes outputs of n photoelectric conversion elements and outputs the outputs to an external device. The synthesis circuit synthesizes and outputs the outputs of the n photoelectric conversion elements at positions selected based on a control signal received from the external device.