Pixel Signal Amplitude Detection on Vertical Readout Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric conversion devices do not account for signal amplitude operations on vertical signal lines, leading to inefficiencies in signal processing and image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a determination circuit that assesses the amplitude of signals read out from pixels to vertical signal lines, allowing for multiple types of determinations and using reference values to adjust gain and detect blackened pixels, thereby improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a determination circuit is added to assess signal amplitude, then image quality is improved through gain adjustment and blackened pixel detection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuit is integrated into the existing signal processing pipeline by sharing vertical signal lines and timing control with the sample-and-hold and A/D conversion units. The same vertical signal line that carries pixel signals is used to carry determination signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated signal paths and reducing overall circuit complexity despite adding determination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination circuit performs multiple functions: it measures signal amplitude, detects blackened pixels, and provides timing control for gain adjustment. By consolidating these functions into a single circuit block that operates during existing readout periods, the patent avoids the need for separate circuits for each function, thereby improving measurement capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple types of determination are performed on signals, then image quality is enhanced through better signal processing, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuit performs amplitude measurements and blackened pixel detection during the pixel selection period, before the signal is fully processed through the sample-and-hold and A/D conversion stages. By completing determination operations in advance during the readout window, the patent enables subsequent gain adjustment and signal processing to proceed efficiently without waiting for separate measurement phases, thus improving reliability without significant time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination circuit operates continuously during the pixel readout period, performing multiple determination operations without interrupting the signal flow. The circuit processes determination signals continuously as pixels are selected, maintaining uninterrupted operation throughout the frame period, which prevents time loss that would occur with sequential batch processing of determination operations.
3Measurement precision
If gain adjustment is performed based on signal amplitude, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuit provides real-time feedback on signal amplitude to control the gain adjustment of the signal processing unit. The measured amplitude information is fed back to dynamically adjust the gain, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes image quality based on actual signal conditions. This feedback mechanism is implemented by reusing existing control signal lines and integrating the determination output into the current control architecture, avoiding the need for completely separate complex control circuits.
4Productivity
If determination operations are performed during pixel selection, then processing efficiency is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuit processes signals by segmenting the vertical signal line into separate determination signal lines for different pixels or pixel groups. This segmentation allows parallel processing of determination operations for multiple pixels simultaneously during the selection period, improving overall processing efficiency. The segmented approach is implemented by allocating specific time windows or signal paths for determination operations while maintaining the overall signal processing flow, thereby distributing complexity across multiple simple parallel operations rather than one complex sequential operation.
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
The solution enables appropriate processing based on signal amplitude, enhancing image quality by adjusting gain and correcting for blackened pixels, thus improving the overall performance of photoelectric conversion devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel that generates a signal via photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion device capable of operations corresponding to the amplitude of a signal read out to a vertical signal line is disclosed. The device comprises a pixel that generates a signal via photoelectric conversion and a determination circuit that determines an amplitude of a signal read out from the pixel to a vertical signal line. A reset signal and a data signal are read out from the pixel. The determination circuit performs a first determination on the data signal while the pixel is being selected for reading out a signal and performs a second determination on the reset signal.