Pixel Control for Abnormality Localization in Imaging Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems, such as endoscope systems, are unable to identify abnormality locations within the imaging apparatus in detail, despite techniques for detecting malfunctions in image sensors and analog front-end components.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a control unit that manages noise reduction, gain adjustment, and analog-digital conversion, and outputs a test pattern signal on a pixel-by-pixel basis to identify abnormality locations, utilizing an optical black area and a processing device to generate image data from the processed signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plurality of pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix to capture in-vivo images, then imaging coverage and resolution are improved, but the ability to identify specific abnormality locations within the imaging apparatus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into individually addressable and controllable units. Each pixel can be independently selected and controlled to output test pattern signals, enabling precise localization of abnormalities within the imaging apparatus by identifying which specific pixel or region exhibits the abnormality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different luminance levels (bright and dark regions) in test pattern signals output from individual pixels to visually indicate abnormality locations. By controlling each pixel to display distinct luminance patterns, the system enables visual identification and localization of abnormalities within the pixel array.
2Measurement precision
If signal processing units perform noise reduction and gain adjustment on electrical signals from pixels, then image quality is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs noise reduction and gain adjustment as preliminary processing steps before final image output. By pre-processing the electrical signals from pixels through dedicated signal processing units, the system improves image quality while organizing complexity into manageable, sequential processing stages.
3Measurement precision
If the control unit outputs test pattern signals from individual pixels to identify abnormalities, then diagnostic precision is improved, but the time required for abnormality detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning of pixels to output test pattern signals. Instead of checking all pixels simultaneously or sequentially in a time-consuming manner, the system periodically selects and scans through pixels in an organized sequence, enabling efficient abnormality detection while maintaining diagnostic precision through systematic coverage of the pixel array.
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 detailed identification of abnormality locations inside the imaging apparatus by controlling the output mode of electrical signals from each pixel and outputting a specified display pattern, improving diagnostic precision.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pixels P100 includes a photodiode that photoelectrically converts light from an optical system to output an electrical signal as image information and accumulates electric charge corresponding to the light quantity
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an imaging apparatus and an imaging system that are able to identify an abnormality location inside the imaging apparatus in detail. An imaging apparatus includes: a sensor unit (244a) having a light receiving unit (244f) provided with a plurality of pixels for photoelectrically converting received light to generate an electrical signal after photoelectric conversion, and capable of reading the electrical signal generated by the light receiving unit (244f) as image information; a control unit (244e) configured to control an output mode of the electrical signal output by each pixel, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and configured to output the electrical signal corresponding to a specified display pattern; an AFE unit (244b) configured to perform signal processing on the electrical signal output from the sensor unit (244a); and a transmission unit (P/S converter (244c)) configured to transmit a processed signal processed by the AFE unit (244b) to outside.