Range-Gated Image Sensor Switching for Multi-Distance Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional range gate cameras require multiple memory units for each pixel to image multiple target distance ranges, leading to increased power consumption and noise, especially in dark environments, and inefficient pulsed light emissions.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a photoelectric conversion element having pixels with dual counters and memories, and a switch circuit to alternate counting operations for different distance ranges using a single light emission, synchronized with light emission timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple memory units are provided for each pixel to image multiple target distance ranges, then the ability to image multiple distance ranges is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions, each region dedicated to imaging a specific target distance range. This segmentation allows the system to image multiple distance ranges without requiring multiple memory units per pixel, as each region processes and outputs images independently for its designated range.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding memory units in the vertical dimension (increasing depth), the patent adds imaging regions in the horizontal dimension (increasing width). Multiple regions are arranged side by side within the same pixel array, allowing parallel imaging of multiple distance ranges without increasing the number of memory units per pixel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple memory units are provided for each pixel to image multiple target distance ranges, then the ability to image multiple distance ranges is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into multiple regions dedicated to different distance ranges, the patent eliminates the need for multiple memory units per pixel. This reduces the number of readout operations and associated noise, while still enabling imaging of multiple distance ranges through spatial segmentation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of pulsed light emissions is increased to image the same amount of light across multiple target distance ranges, then imaging coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single pulsed light emission event. By arranging multiple regions side by side within the pixel array, each region simultaneously captures light from its designated distance range during a single exposure, eliminating the need for multiple sequential light emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous imaging of multiple distance ranges within a single exposure period. All regions operate simultaneously during one light emission cycle, maintaining continuous useful action without interruption for re-emission, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving imaging coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exposure operations are performed in response to a single light emission, then acquisition of images of multiple target distance ranges is improved, but readout processing amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple regions, each independently outputting images for its designated distance range. This segmentation allows for simplified readout processing compared to multiple memory units per pixel, as each region has dedicated output pathways and the processing can be handled independently for each region.
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
Reduces power consumption and noise by allowing multiple distance range imaging with a single light emission, enhancing clarity under adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion element having a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the pixels comprises: a sensor unit configured to generate pulses in response to incident photons
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a photoelectric conversion element having a plurality of pixels, each pixel comprising a sensor unit configured to generate pulses in response to incident photons; a first counter and a second counter configured to count the pulses; a first memory and a second memory configured to store count values from the respective counters; a switch circuit configured to switch the connection between the sensor unit and either of the counters; a light emitting unit configured to illuminate a subject; and a control unit configured to control the switch circuit so that, based on a single emission of light by the light emitting unit, reflected light from the subject in a first distance range is counted by the first counter and reflected light from the subject in a second distance range is counted by the second counter.