Image Sensor Pixel Group Control for Independent Exposure Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging units with backside irradiating type imaging chips, the control of electrical charge accumulation and signal readout periods is not finely tunable on a cell-by-cell basis due to the grouping of adjacent pixels, limiting the ability to customize exposure times for different image information.
Innovation Solution
An imaging element comprising a plurality of pixel groups with independent control units for charge accumulation and readout, allowing for customized exposure times based on the type of image information, utilizing a control unit to manage the accumulation period for each pixel group and a readout unit to process signals from each group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pixels are grouped into cells for processing, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision of charge accumulation and readout periods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the pixel array into multiple independently controllable pixel groups, where each group can have its own charge accumulation period and readout timing controlled by separate control circuits. This segmentation allows precise control of each group while maintaining overall system organization, resolving the contradiction between reduced complexity and improved control precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If cell-by-cell control is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability of exposure times for different image information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to dynamically adjust charge accumulation periods and readout timings for each pixel group based on the specific imaging requirements. Different pixel groups can have different exposure times adapted to their respective image information (e.g., different wavelengths or depth information), providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
3Device complexity
If uniform readout timing is applied to all pixels, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality for multi-information imaging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The readout unit is segmented into multiple independent readout circuits, each associated with a specific pixel group. Each readout circuit can independently control the readout timing of its associated pixel group, allowing optimized readout schedules for different types of image information (e.g., sequential readout of different wavelength bands or depth layers) without requiring complex centralized 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 precise control of electrical charge accumulation and readout for each pixel group, allowing for tailored exposure times that can differentiate between strong and weak color groups, thereby enhancing dynamic range and independent signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pixel groups including a plurality of pixels that output pixel signals according to incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes: an imaging unit in which a plurality of pixel groups including a plurality of pixels that output pixel signals according to incident light are formed, and on which incident light corresponding to mutually different pieces of image information is incident; a control unit that controls, for each of the pixel groups, a period of accumulating in the plurality of pixels included in the pixel group; and a readout unit that is provided to each of the pixel groups, and reads out the pixel signals from the plurality of pixels included in the pixel group.