Single Pixel Sensor Synchronization for Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in effectively synchronizing with flickering light sources and ambient light conditions, leading to image artifacts and reduced accuracy in capturing dynamic scenes, especially under varying lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A single pixel sensor system with a photosensor, charge storage, and transistors configured for repeated signal accumulation, allowing synchronization with pulsed illuminators and flickering objects, and utilizing backside illuminated pixels with spectral filters to reduce ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single exposure time is used to capture images, then the exposure can be optimized for high signal levels, but image artifacts occur and depth resolution decreases in environments with ambient light and flickering sources
Solution Approach 1:
The single exposure time is segmented into multiple sub-exposure periods, each capturing light from different depth ranges. By dividing the exposure time into discrete segments (first sub-exposure for near objects, second sub-exposure for far objects), the system eliminates image artifacts and improves depth resolution without requiring a single compromised exposure time.
2Illumination intensity
If exposure time is increased to capture sufficient light signal, then signal level improves, but parasitic light sensitivity increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic modulation of the light source and synchronized periodic sub-exposures to capture light signals. By performing multiple sub-exposures at different time periods and combining them, the system achieves sufficient signal level while rejecting parasitic light through temporal filtering and synchronization with the modulated light source.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sub-exposures are performed per readout, then depth resolution and handling of flickering light sources improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-exposure periods are merged into a single readout operation, where signals from different sub-exposures are combined and processed together. This merging approach achieves improved depth resolution and flickering light handling while minimizing device complexity by consolidating multiple operations into one unified readout cycle.
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
The system enhances image quality by minimizing artifacts and improving depth resolution in dynamic scenes, enabling accurate imaging under diverse lighting conditions through synchronized signal accumulation and reduced ambient light interference.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensor configured to convert light into proportional signals
Data Source
AI summary
A single pixel sensor is provided, comprising a photo sensor configured to convert light into proportional signals; a charge storage configured to accumulate, repeatedly, a plurality of the signals converted by the photosensor; a first transistor coupled between a pixel voltage terminal and the photosensor; a second transistor coupled between the photosensor and the charge storage; and a readout circuit coupled between the charge storage and an output channel, wherein: the single pixel sensor is configured to carry out the repeated accumulations of signals multiple times per each readout by the readout circuit to synchronously convert reflections of light emitted by the illuminator, and to carry out at least one of the repeated accumulations of signals in at least partial overlap with at least one light pulse generated by the pulsed illuminator.