Pixel Electronics Switching Between Low and High Light Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light sensors with pixel arrays face challenges in providing accurate output across varying light intensity levels, from low photon rates to intense light, as existing technologies struggle to maintain reliability and efficiency in both low and high light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A light-sensing device with a pixel array that includes both low light level and high light level electronics, capable of transitioning between the two during data acquisition to adapt to changing light conditions, allowing for reliable data collection across a wide range of intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only low light level electronics are used, then accuracy at low photon rates is improved, but reliability at high light levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electronics dynamically switch between low light level electronics and high light level electronics based on the detected light intensity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain measurement precision across varying light conditions by selecting the appropriate electronics mode for the current light level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by transitioning between different electronics modes (low light level vs. high light level) based on light intensity conditions. This parameter change enables the pixel to maintain accuracy across a wide dynamic range of light levels.
2Reliability
If only high light level electronics are used, then reliability at high light levels is improved, but accuracy at low photon rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electronics dynamically switch between low light level electronics and high light level electronics based on the detected light intensity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain measurement precision across varying light conditions by selecting the appropriate electronics mode for the current light level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by transitioning between different electronics modes (low light level vs. high light level) based on light intensity conditions. This parameter change enables the pixel to maintain accuracy across a wide dynamic range of light levels.
3Reliability
If dual electronics with transition capability are added, then reliability across wide intensity range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electronics are designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both low light level electronics and high light level electronics within a single pixel structure. This universal design allows the same pixel to handle both low and high light conditions, improving reliability across the full intensity range while managing complexity through integration.
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 the light-sensing device to provide accurate and reliable data acquisition at both low and high light levels by seamlessly switching between low light level and high light level electronics, ensuring consistent performance in diverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
low light level electronics in communication with a light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A light-sensing device includes a pixel array. Multiple pixels in the pixel array each includes pixel electronics. The pixel electronics include low light level electronics in communication with a light sensor and high light level electronics in communication with the same light sensor. The pixel electronics acquire data from the light sensor. During the data acquisition, the pixel electronics can transition between using the high light level electronics to acquire the data and using the low light level electronics to acquire the data.