Photoelectric Pixel Counters for Real-Time Luminance Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric conversion apparatuses are unable to perform predetermined determinations in response to photon incidence, as they lack the capability to effectively count and compare photon counts with set thresholds in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion apparatus comprising a pixel with a photoelectric conversion unit and processing units that include a counter circuit to count signals over a predetermined time and a memory to store count values, allowing for comparison with set thresholds to determine event occurrences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If photon counting is performed using conventional photoelectric conversion apparatus, then the number of photons can be counted, but predetermined determination in response to photon incidence cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric conversion apparatus is divided into multiple processing units, each independently capable of performing photon counting and predetermined determination. Each processing unit contains its own counter circuit and memory, enabling distributed processing and automatic determination without requiring complex centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each processing unit is self-sufficient, containing all necessary components (photoelectric conversion unit, counter circuit, memory) to perform photon counting and determination independently. The processing unit automatically compares counted photons with stored threshold values and outputs determination results without external intervention.
2Speed
If real-time photon counting and determination is implemented, then luminance level changes can be detected in real-time, but the device requires multiple processing units with counters and memory
Solution Approach 1:
Threshold values for determination are pre-stored in the memory of each processing unit before photon counting begins. This preliminary preparation enables immediate comparison and determination as soon as photons are counted, achieving real-time detection without requiring complex post-processing or external threshold management.
3Measurement precision
If photon counting is performed over a predetermined time period, then accurate luminance measurement is achieved, but the system requires time-period management and memory storage
Solution Approach 1:
The counter circuit operates in periodic intervals, counting photons over predetermined time periods and then comparing the accumulated count with threshold values stored in memory. This periodic operation enables accurate luminance measurement by integrating photon counts over specific time windows while maintaining simple implementation through regular counting cycles.
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
Enables real-time detection of luminance level changes by accurately counting photons and comparing them to predetermined thresholds, allowing for precise determination of photon incidence events.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion unit that outputs a signal in response to the incidence of a photon
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion apparatus and the like that enables a predetermined determination in response to the incidence of photons is provided. The photoelectric conversion apparatus comprising a pixel provided with a photoelectric conversion unit that outputs a signal in response to the incidence of a photon; and a plurality of processing units configured to correspond to the pixel, wherein the processing unit has a first counter circuit configured to count an output signal from the pixel during a predetermined time period and a first memory configured to store a count value counted by the first counter circuit as a second count value, and wherein the processing unit outputs a determination result obtained by comparing a first count value output by the first counter circuit and a predetermined threshold that has been set based on the second count value read out from the first memory.