Image Sensor Dead Zone Compensation via Multi-Position Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor radiation detectors face challenges in heat management, making it difficult to produce detectors with large areas and numerous pixels effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves moving an image sensor with a plurality of radiation detectors along a first direction to capture partial images from multiple positions, forming a complete image while utilizing an active area and a dead zone that extends at an angle, allowing each point in the scene to fall on the dead zone no more than once.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If semiconductor radiation detectors with large area and numerous pixels are produced, then detection coverage and resolution are improved, but heat management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large-area detection task into multiple smaller sub-tasks by using multiple radiation detectors arranged in an array. Each detector captures a portion of the scene, and the combined data forms the complete image. This segmentation allows each individual detector to remain small and manageable for heat dissipation while collectively achieving large-area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension by sequentially activating different groups of pixels or detectors. Instead of all pixels operating simultaneously (2D array), the system uses time-multiplexed activation where different pixel groups are activated at different time intervals, effectively adding a time dimension to the detection process. This reduces simultaneous heat generation while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in radiation detectors is increased, then image resolution is improved, but heat management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple groups that are activated sequentially rather than all at once. Each group contains a subset of the total pixels, and by rotating through different groups over time, the system achieves high-resolution imaging without requiring all high-density pixels to operate simultaneously, thereby reducing heat accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of pixel groups, where different sets of pixels are turned on and off in a cyclic manner. This periodic action ensures that not all high-resolution pixels are active at the same time, reducing the total heat load while still capturing sufficient data to reconstruct high-resolution images through computational methods.
3Ease of manufacture
If dead zone is present in image sensor, then manufacturing is simplified, but image quality deteriorates due to data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the dead zone issue by utilizing the temporal dimension. Since the detector array can be moved or different pixel groups activated at different times, areas that would be covered by dead zones in one position or time can be captured by adjacent functional pixels at other positions or times. This temporal-spatial redundancy compensates for the manufacturing-necessary dead zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple overlapping fields of view captured at different times or positions. By combining information from multiple detector positions or pixel groups that capture the same scene area at different moments, the system reconstructs complete images that compensate for dead zone losses, effectively merging partial observations into a complete picture.
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 enables the formation of high-resolution images by minimizing the impact of dead zones and improving heat management, thus facilitating the production of large-area, high-pixel-density radiation detectors.
Implementation Method 1
A semiconductor radiation detector may include a semiconductor layer that absorbs radiation in wavelengths of interest. When a particle of radiation is absorbed in the semiconductor layer, multiple charge carriers (e.g., electrons and holes) are generated
Implementation Method 2
Scintillators (e.g., sodium iodide) absorb radiation and emit visible light, which can then be detected by a suitable image sensor for visible light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method comprising: moving an image sensor along a first direction among a plurality of positions relative to a scene and capturing partial images of the scene respectively at the plurality of positions; forming an image of the scene from the partial images; wherein the image sensor has an active area and a dead zone; wherein the dead zone extends along a second direction; wherein the second direction is at an angle with the first direction; wherein each point in the scene falls on the dead zone no more than once when the image sensor is at the plurality of positions.