Pixel Array Exposure Control Using Periodic Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in controlling exposure without altering the degree of blurring, as they typically adjust exposure time based on light intensity, leading to unnatural changes in image clarity.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a voltage supply circuit that alternates between high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity exposure periods by varying the voltage applied to the counter electrode, allowing for controlled exposure without changing the exposure time, thereby maintaining image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If exposure time is adjusted based on light intensity, then the amount of exposure is controlled, but the degree of blurring changes naturally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to the photodiode rather than adjusting exposure time. By varying the voltage during exposure periods and non-exposure periods, the patent controls the amount of exposure while keeping the exposure time structure fixed, thereby preventing changes in the degree of blurring. This parameter substitution resolves the contradiction between controlling exposure quantity and maintaining image clarity.
2Shape
If exposure time is divided into non-continuous periods, then the degree of blurring is reduced, but the control over exposure amount becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic exposure periods and non-exposure periods with fixed timing relationships across consecutive frame periods. This periodic structure simplifies control by establishing regular patterns rather than complex arbitrary timing, while still achieving reduced blurring through the non-continuous exposure approach.
3Quantity of substance
If voltage is varied to control exposure, then exposure amount is adjusted without changing exposure time, but additional circuitry is required
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage supply circuitry is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides power to the photodiode, controls the exposure amount through voltage variation, and defines the timing of exposure periods. By making the voltage supply circuit multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated control circuits, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving precise exposure control.
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 controlled exposure without altering the degree of blurring, allowing for flexible adjustment of sensitivity and exposure duration while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first photoelectric conversion layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the first photoelectric conversion layer generating signal charge
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device including a pixel array including pixels, each pixel including a photoelectric converter including a first and second electrode, and a first photoelectric conversion layer between the first and second electrode, and a transistor having a gate coupled to the first electrode, the transistor outputting a signal corresponding to an amount of the signal charge collected by the first electrode. The device further including voltage supply circuitry coupled to the second electrode of each of the pixels, where the voltage supply circuitry, in each of consecutive frame periods, supplies a first voltage two or more times to form exposure periods in which the signal charge is collected by the first electrode, and supplies a second voltage one or more times to form non-exposure periods that separate the exposure periods from each other, and start time of each of the exposure periods is periodic over the consecutive frame periods.