Solid-State Image Pickup Element Internal HDR Signal Combination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses require a long time to generate high dynamic range (HDR) images due to the need to output multiple images externally for combination, which increases size and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image pickup element with an image signal combining part that generates HDR images internally by combining first and second images taken under different conditions, using a signal level analysis part to control signal levels and reduce the need for external output, thereby enabling faster HDR image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are output externally for combination to generate HDR images, then HDR image quality is improved, but processing time increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HDR image combination process into the solid-state image pickup element itself by providing an image signal combining part that integrates first and second image signals with different exposure amounts internally. This eliminates the need to output multiple images externally for combination, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining HDR image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state image pickup element is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures images with different exposure amounts and simultaneously performs the combination processing to generate HDR images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external processing equipment, reducing both time and device size.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are output externally for combination to generate HDR images, then HDR image quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HDR image combination process into the solid-state image pickup element itself by providing an image signal combining part that integrates first and second image signals with different exposure amounts internally. This eliminates the need for separate external processing equipment, thereby reducing device size while maintaining HDR image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state image pickup element is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures images with different exposure amounts and simultaneously performs the combination processing to generate HDR images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external processing equipment, reducing both time and device size.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are output externally for combination to generate HDR images, then HDR image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HDR image combination process into the solid-state image pickup element itself by providing an image signal combining part that integrates first and second image signals with different exposure amounts internally. This eliminates the need for separate external processing equipment, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining HDR image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state image pickup element is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures images with different exposure amounts and simultaneously performs the combination processing to generate HDR images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external processing equipment, reducing both time and device size.
4Measurement precision
If signal levels are controlled based on analysis results, then HDR image quality is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-state image pickup element performs self-service by automatically analyzing signal levels and controlling exposure amounts without requiring complex external processing. The image pickup element itself determines the appropriate exposure amounts for first and second images based on signal level analysis, simplifying the overall system while maintaining HDR image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup element includes an image signal combining part configured to combine a first image signal read from a pixel portion at a first timing, and a second image signal read from the pixel portion at a second timing, which is different from the first timing, to generate a third image signal.