Photon Counting Sensor Timing for Dark-Light Luminance Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photon measurement sensors require a long shutter time for dark measurements, leading to increased memory bits and circuit area due to the method of predicting luminance based on the time when a photon count reaches a threshold.
Innovation Solution
A light-receiving apparatus with a counting unit, a setting unit, and an acquiring unit that measures photon incidence, updates time information based on elapsed time during the exposure period, and acquires time information when the counted value reaches a threshold before the exposure period ends, allowing for variable update cycles and reduced memory bits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a long shutter time is set for dark measurements using the time-based luminance prediction method, then measurement accuracy in dark conditions is improved, but the number of bits required for storing time information increases, leading to larger circuit area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the update cycle of time information variable rather than fixed. The setting unit dynamically adjusts the update cycle based on elapsed time during the exposure period, allowing the system to adapt the time information update frequency to different measurement conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate dark measurements without requiring a consistently long shutter time, thereby reducing the bits needed for time storage and circuit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of update cycle from a fixed value to a variable that depends on elapsed time. By modifying this parameter dynamically, the system can achieve accurate photon measurements in dark conditions when needed while using fewer bits for time information storage during other conditions, thus reducing overall circuit area while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If time information is updated frequently to maintain accurate photon measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of bits for storing time information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the update cycle based on elapsed time during the exposure period. This allows frequent updates when needed for accuracy while using longer intervals when less precision is required, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and memory bit requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by updating time information at regular intervals determined by the update cycle. The setting unit configures these periods based on elapsed time, enabling the system to achieve accurate measurements through periodic sampling without continuously storing time information, thus reducing the number of bits required.
3Device complexity
If a fixed update cycle is used for time information, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying illumination conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The setting unit dynamically adjusts the update cycle based on elapsed time during the exposure period, allowing the system to adapt to varying illumination conditions without requiring complex real-time analysis. This dynamic approach improves adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring update cycles based on elapsed time categories before actual photon counting begins. This allows the system to adapt to different illumination conditions without adding complex real-time decision-making logic during measurement, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving adaptability.
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 reduces the number of bits required for storing time information, minimizing circuit area while maintaining accurate photon measurement, especially in varying illumination conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a photon measurement sensor that counts photons incident to a photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
A light-receiving apparatus (1a) includes a counting unit (11), a setting unit (12), and an acquiring unit (13). The counting unit is configured to measure a detection number of times that represents the number of times incidence of a photon to a light-receiving element has been detected within an exposure period and to output a counted value. The setting unit is configured to set a cycle of updating time information in accordance with an elapsed time during the exposure period. The acquiring unit is configured to acquire the time information indicating a time at which the counted value reaches a threshold before the exposure period elapses.