Image Forming Apparatus Pixel Frequency Conversion for Signal-to-Noise Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio for real-time moving images without requiring high frequency components, and they often necessitate numerous high frequency wirings, switches, or filters, especially as the number of pixels increases.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a pixel having an electromagnetic wave detecting element, a switch for signal readout, and a signal generating unit producing a signal with a predetermined period, which is used to convert the detection signal's frequency, allowing for synchronous detection without the need for high frequency components in subsequent circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronous detection is performed using memory cells to integrate discrete signals, then low frequency noise is reduced, but real-time moving image capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection and processing functions into two separate components: an electromagnetic wave detecting element that performs synchronous detection to reduce noise, and a frequency converting element that converts the detection signal frequency to enable real-time output. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and real-time capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency converting element acts as an intermediary between the electromagnetic wave detecting element and the output system. It receives the low-frequency detection signal, converts its frequency, and outputs it in real-time, thereby mediating between the noise-reduced signal and the real-time processing requirement.
2Productivity
If high frequency modulation is used to assure video rate, then real-time moving image is achieved, but high frequency wirings, switches, and filters are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the detection signal through the frequency converting element. Instead of maintaining high frequency throughout the system, the signal frequency is transformed to a lower range after detection, eliminating the need for high frequency wirings, switches, and filters while preserving real-time video rate capability.
3Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased, then image resolution is improved, but modulation frequency requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs synchronous detection and frequency conversion as preliminary actions at the pixel level before signal readout and processing. By completing the frequency conversion early in the signal chain, the system can handle higher pixel counts without proportionally increasing the modulation frequency requirement for subsequent processing stages.
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 improves the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining real-time video rates and reducing the need for high frequency parts, enabling image forming and image pickup operations with low noise and high sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel having an electromagnetic wave detecting element configured to detect an electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
the pixel has a frequency converting element configured to convert a frequency of a detection signal of the electromagnetic wave detecting element, using the signal having the predetermined period
Data Source
AI summary
Provided by the present invention is an image forming apparatus wherein a signal to noise ratio is improved without reducing a video rate of a real-time moving image. The image forming apparatus comprises:a pixel 101 having an electromagnetic wave detecting element 111 configured to detect an electromagnetic wave;a switch 110 configured to read out a signal from the pixel;a signal generating unit 102 configured to generate a signal 114 having a predetermined period, wherein the pixel is connected to a transmission line 103 for supplying, to the pixel, the signal having the predetermined period, and to a scanning line 106 and 107 for reading out the signal from the pixel through the switch, andthe pixel has a frequency converting element 113 configured to convert a frequency of a detection signal of the electromagnetic wave detecting element, using the signal having the predetermined period.