Multi-Gain Amplifier Unit for Imaging Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in achieving fast reading speeds and efficient signal processing due to the need for multiple column amplifier units and slow signal-to-noise ratio improvement, especially when dealing with varying light conditions.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus employs a vertical scanning circuit to sequentially select pixels and an amplifier unit that outputs image signals at multiple gains, reducing the number of resets and using weighted averaging to combine signals for expanded dynamic range and improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple column amplifier units are used to hold output signals in parallel, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved and dynamic range is expanded, but the chip area increases and reading speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple column amplifier units into a single amplifier unit that can operate at multiple gains. Instead of having separate amplifiers for different gain values, one amplifier unit is designed to provide multiple gain settings (e.g., first gain and second gain), thereby reducing the number of amplifiers needed and decreasing chip area while maintaining the capability to improve signal-to-noise ratio and expand dynamic range through multi-gain operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple gain amplification tasks. A single amplifier unit can operate at different gain levels (first gain for low light conditions, second gain for high light conditions) to handle various imaging scenarios, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized amplifiers. This universal design reduces hardware complexity and chip area while preserving the benefits of multi-gain operation.
2Reliability
If multiple column amplifier units are used to hold output signals in parallel, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved and dynamic range is expanded, but reading speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal holding and amplification functions into a more efficient architecture where a single amplifier unit serves multiple gain requirements. By merging the functionality of multiple amplifiers into one multi-gain amplifier, the system reduces the number of sequential operations needed and minimizes the time required to switch between different signal processing modes, thereby improving reading speed while maintaining signal-to-noise ratio benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier unit is designed to dynamically switch between different gain settings based on imaging conditions. The system can rapidly transition between first gain and second gain modes within a single amplifier unit, enabling fast adaptation to varying light conditions without the delay associated with switching between multiple separate amplifiers. This dynamic operation improves reading speed while preserving the ability to optimize signal-to-noise ratio for different lighting scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sequential reading of signals with different gains is implemented, then dynamic range is expanded, but the number of holding capacitors increases and reading speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal holding functionality into a streamlined architecture that requires fewer holding capacitors. Instead of allocating separate holding capacitors for each gain mode in multiple amplifiers, the system uses a reduced set of holding capacitors that can serve multiple purposes across different gain settings. This consolidation maintains the expanded dynamic range capability while significantly reducing device complexity and the total number of capacitors required.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding capacitors are designed with multi-functionality to serve different gain modes. A single holding capacitor can store signals amplified at different gain levels by the multi-gain amplifier unit, eliminating the need for dedicated holding capacitors for each gain setting. This universal approach to signal holding reduces the overall number of capacitors needed in the system while preserving the ability to expand dynamic range through multi-gain operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging apparatus, including: a vertical scanning circuit configured to output the reset signal and the image signal sequentially from each of a plurality of pixels by selecting the plurality of pixels sequentially; and an amplifier unit configured to output a plurality of image signals obtained by amplifying one image signal that is output from one of the plurality of pixels at a plurality of gains including a first gain and a second gain, in which, in a reading period, which is a period between selection of a first pixel by the vertical scanning circuit out of the plurality of pixels and subsequent selection of a second pixel out of the plurality of pixels, a number of times the amplifier unit is reset is less than a number of the plurality of amplified image signals.