Photoelectric Conversion Apparatus Multi-Mode Signal Averaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric conversion apparatuses face challenges in maintaining image quality when operating in multiple horizontal adding or averaging modes due to complex circuit configurations and potential crosstalk, which can lead to deterioration in image resolution and noise folding.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion apparatus with a pixel array and column signal processing units that include horizontal adding or averaging units, allowing for selective use of multiple modes to add or average pixel signals from different columns, thereby reducing circuit complexity and crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more pixel mixing switch elements are added to realize multiple horizontal adding or averaging modes, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the circuit configuration becomes complicated and crosstalk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pixel mixing switch element is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively connecting different columns of amplifier circuits to different input terminals of the same operational amplifier. The switch element can connect pixel signals from one column to the inverting input terminal, from another column to the non-inverting input terminal, or disconnect both columns, enabling multiple adding and averaging modes without requiring separate switch elements for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more pixel mixing switch elements are added to realize multiple horizontal adding or averaging modes, then the functionality is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
By making the pixel mixing switch element universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate switch elements that would increase crosstalk. The same switch element handles different column connections for various adding and averaging modes, reducing the overall number of switch elements and minimizing crosstalk interference while maintaining adaptability across multiple operating modes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pixel signals from multiple columns are added or averaged, then noise is reduced and image quality is improved, but the number of signals to be read out increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pixel signals from multiple columns by adding or averaging them together before output. The pixel mixing switch element connects signals from multiple columns to the operational amplifier, which performs the adding or averaging operation, combining multiple signals into a single output signal that reduces noise while maintaining readout efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a photoelectric conversion apparatus including: a pixel array having pixels arranged in matrix; a pixel output line provided according to each column of the pixel array and transmitting a pixel signal output from a pixel of each column of the pixel array; a column signal processing unit provided according to each column of the pixel array and into which the pixel signal is input from the pixel output line, in which the column signal processing unit has a plurality of horizontal adding up or averaging units configured to add up or average the plurality of pixel signals based on the pixels of different columns of the pixel array; and a plurality of adding up or averaging modes with different numbers of columns subjected to adding up or averaging can be selected by selectively using one or a plurality of the plurality of horizontal adding up or averaging units.