Imaging Pixel Voltage Switching for Dynamic Range and Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices face challenges in expanding their dynamic range while maintaining sensitivity and reducing power consumption, particularly in varying illuminance conditions.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a voltage supply circuit that adjusts the potential difference between the photoelectric converter's electrodes based on detected light levels, switching between a first and second voltage range to optimize photoelectric conversion efficiency and linearity, thereby expanding the dynamic range and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a predetermined voltage is applied to the photoelectric converter to maintain sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between a first voltage (higher voltage) and a second voltage (lower voltage) based on illuminance conditions. The voltage supply circuit dynamically adjusts the applied voltage to match the current lighting environment, thereby maintaining sensitivity when needed while reducing power consumption when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to the photoelectric converter based on detected illuminance levels. When illuminance is below a threshold, a first voltage is applied; when illuminance is at or above the threshold, a second voltage is applied. This parameter change optimizes both sensitivity and power consumption according to environmental conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a higher voltage is applied to expand dynamic range, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between voltage levels based on illuminance conditions. The voltage supply circuit monitors illuminance and adjusts the voltage applied to the photoelectric converter accordingly, applying higher voltage only when necessary to maintain measurement precision across varying dynamic ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to the photoelectric converter based on detected illuminance levels. When illuminance is below a threshold, a first voltage is applied; when illuminance is at or above the threshold, a second voltage is applied. This parameter change optimizes both sensitivity and power consumption according to environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If voltage is continuously adjusted to maintain linearity across illuminance conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illuminance range into two distinct regions: a first illuminance range below a threshold and a second illuminance range at or above the threshold. Each region has a dedicated voltage setting (first voltage or second voltage), simplifying the control logic while maintaining linearity across different lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to the photoelectric converter based on detected illuminance levels. When illuminance is below a threshold, a first voltage is applied; when illuminance is at or above the threshold, a second voltage is applied. This parameter change optimizes both sensitivity and power consumption according to environmental conditions.
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 allows for improved sensitivity and linearity across a wider range of illuminance conditions while minimizing power usage by dynamically adjusting the voltage supply in response to changing light levels.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converter that converts light into a charge
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device including a pixel that includes: a photoelectric converter that converts light into a charge; a charge accumulation region to which the charge is input; and an amplifier transistor that includes a gate electrically connected to the charge accumulation region. The amplifier transistor being configured to output a signal that corresponds to a potential of the charge accumulation region. The imaging device further including a detection circuit that is configured to detect a level of the signal from the amplifier transistor, wherein a sensitivity of the pixel is caused to be increased, in a case where the level detected by the detection circuit is greater than a first threshold value.