Solid-State Imaging Horizontal Thinning-Out Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CMOS image sensors, reducing the number of vertical readout lines to achieve high-speed image capture leads to degradation of resolution and a reduced angle of view when using vertical thinning-out or interlaced scanning methods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a solid-state imaging apparatus with systematic pixel drive lines for each pixel row, allowing simultaneous output of drive signals to multiple pixel rows, which enables horizontal thinning-out readout, increasing frame rate and maintaining the angle of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vertical thinning-out readout or interlaced scanning is used to reduce the number of vertical readout lines, then high-speed image capture is achieved, but resolution is degraded and the angle of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical thinning-out readout to horizontal thinning-out readout by arranging pixels and readout lines horizontally. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve high-speed capture through horizontal subsampling while maintaining vertical resolution, thereby preventing degradation in overall image quality and angle of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pixel array into multiple banks with independent readout paths, allowing simultaneous readout from multiple pixel rows. This segmentation enables high frame rates without requiring vertical thinning-out, as each bank can be fully read out in parallel, maintaining both speed and resolution.
2Productivity
If vertical thinning-out readout or interlaced scanning is used to reduce the number of vertical readout lines, then high-speed image capture is achieved, but the angle of view is reduced causing the pickup image to become long sideways
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing horizontal thinning-out readout instead of vertical thinning-out, the patent maintains the vertical angle of view while achieving high frame rates. The horizontal subsampling does not affect the vertical field of view, thus preventing the pickup image from becoming elongated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of pixel selection and readout timing to achieve high-speed capture without fixed vertical thinning patterns. This dynamic approach allows flexible adjustment of which pixels are read out and when, maintaining angle of view while achieving high frame rates through optimized readout sequences.
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 enhances frame rate while preventing the image from becoming long-sided and maintains the angle of view, improving image capture efficiency without compromising resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode 21 to photoelectrically convert received light into photocharge
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a pixel array section in which pixels including photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix form, and a plurality of systematic pixel drive lines to transmit drive signals to read out signals from the pixels are arranged for each pixel row; and a row scanning section to simultaneously output the drive signals through the plurality of systematic pixel drive lines to a plurality of pixel rows for different pixel columns.