Multi-Storage Pixel Charge Transfer for HDR Motion Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-exposure high dynamic range imaging techniques face challenges in capturing moving objects and brief events due to separate exposure times, leading to motion artifacts and potential blurriness, especially in applications requiring dynamic ranges greater than 100 dB.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-storage pixels with alternating charge transfer between storage nodes during a single exposure, allowing for interleaved segments of different exposure times to capture both long and short exposure images simultaneously, reducing the total exposure time and blurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple images are captured at different exposure times in conventional multi-exposure HDR imaging, then the dynamic range is improved, but motion artifacts and blurriness occur due to separate exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is divided into multiple storage nodes (e.g., first storage node and second storage node) that can independently store charge from different exposure segments. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple exposure times within a single exposure period, eliminating motion artifacts while maintaining high dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic transfer of charge between the photodiode and storage nodes at different rates. The first storage node receives charge at a first transfer rate while the second storage node receives charge at a second transfer rate, creating interleaved exposure segments that capture both long and short exposure data simultaneously without motion blur.
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 enables the capture of high dynamic range images with reduced motion artifacts and improved resolution, effectively handling moving objects and brief events, while maintaining a shorter total exposure time compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A first image signal and a second image signal are transferred from a photodiode to a first storage node and a second storage node, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
High dynamic range imaging techniques with multi-storage pixels are provided. Multiple images may be captured during a single exposure using an image sensor with multi-storage pixels. During a single exposure, charge from photodiodes may be transferred alternately to multiple storage nodes of the multi-storage pixels. During readout of a multi-storage pixel, charge may be transferred from each of multiple storage nodes one at a time to a floating diffusion node. Each subsequent transfer of charge may be summed with the charge already stored in the floating diffusion node. A pixel signal may be read out from the multi-storage pixel after each charge transfer. Images formed from the pixel signals may be combined to produce a high dynamic range image.