Multi-Reference A/D Imaging for Higher-Bit Image Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in achieving high frame rates and image quality due to limitations in analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion processes, particularly in managing different reference levels across multiple imaging elements.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus combines image data from multiple imaging elements, each performing A/D conversion at different reference levels, to generate single image data with a higher number of bits per pixel, using a processing portion that adds or multiplies signal values from these elements, thereby enhancing image quality and frame rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If A/D conversion is performed at a single reference level, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality and frame rate are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple imaging elements, each performing A/D conversion at different reference levels. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple reference level data without requiring a single complex A/D converter to handle all reference levels, thus improving image quality while managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension by using multiple reference levels simultaneously across different imaging elements. Instead of sequentially converting different reference levels (time dimension), the system performs parallel A/D conversion at multiple reference levels (spatial dimension), thereby increasing frame rate and image quality without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Productivity
If multiple imaging elements perform A/D conversion at different reference levels, then image quality and frame rate improve, but information loss due to reference level differences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing portion merges image data from multiple imaging elements that have been converted at different reference levels. By combining these data through addition or other processing methods, the system recovers information that would otherwise be lost due to reference level differences, while maintaining the high frame rate benefits of parallel processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts reference levels across different imaging elements based on imaging conditions. By changing the reference level parameter for each imaging element according to the scene requirements, the system minimizes information loss while maximizing frame rate and image quality
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging elements perform A/D conversion at different reference levels, then image quality improves, but the load on individual imaging elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the pixel array into multiple imaging elements, each element handles a portion of the total imaging load. This segmentation distributes the energy consumption and processing requirements across multiple elements, preventing any single element from becoming overloaded while maintaining high image quality through multi-reference-level conversion
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 results in improved image quality and increased frame rates compared to systems performing A/D conversion at a single reference level, while reducing the load on individual imaging elements and minimizing information loss due to reference level differences.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel circuit that outputs a voltage of a level corresponding to illuminance
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element, and a processing portion that generates single image data by combining a plurality of pieces of image data output from the imaging element and outputs the generated single image data, in which the plurality of pieces of image data are image data generated by performing imaging accompanying A/D conversion of different reference levels, and the number of bits, in units of pixels, of the single image data output from the processing portion is greater than the number of bits of each of the plurality of pieces of image data in units of pixels.