Stereo Image Sensor Timing With Dual Frame Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors optimized for one imaging modality struggle when used for different modalities, particularly in stereoscopic systems, due to differing exposure times and parameters, leading to challenges in capturing and integrating light effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dual frame timers for separate image sensors or sensor regions, allowing different exposure times and pixel binning techniques to enhance sensitivity across various imaging modalities, including visible and advanced imaging modes like fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single common frame timer is used for both image sensors in a stereoscopic system, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture different imaging modalities with different exposure times is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal frame timer design that can operate in multiple modes: it can function as a common frame timer for both image sensors or as separate independent frame timers for each sensor. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different imaging modalities (visible light, fluorescence, hyperspectral) with different exposure time requirements while maintaining a single hardware implementation, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If exposure time is increased for advanced imaging modalities, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame timing control for each image sensor independently, allowing different exposure times for different sensors. One sensor can be configured with longer exposure times for advanced imaging modalities to improve signal-to-noise ratio, while another sensor maintains shorter exposure times for visible light imaging at normal frame rates. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each sensor to optimize for its specific imaging modality.
3Measurement precision
If pixel binning is applied to enhance sensitivity, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but spatial resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pixel binning selectively to specific regions or sensors based on imaging requirements. For advanced imaging modalities where sensitivity is critical, pixel binning is applied to improve signal-to-noise ratio. For visible light imaging where spatial detail is more important, pixels are kept separate to maintain spatial resolution. This local application of quality enhancement resolves the contradiction by optimizing for the specific needs of each imaging modality.
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
Improves signal-to-noise ratio and noise reduction by allowing longer integration times for advanced imaging, while maintaining normal video rates, enhancing video viewing capabilities in surgical systems.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor includes pixels that capture and integrate light over time
Data Source
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AI summary
A stereoscopic image capture device includes a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a first frame timer, and a second frame timer. The first and second frame timers are different frame timers. The first image sensor includes a first plurality of rows of pixels. The second image sensor includes a second plurality of rows of pixels. The first and second image sensors can be separate devices or different areas of a sensor region in an integrated circuit. The first frame timer is coupled to the first image sensor to provide image capture timing signals to the first image sensor. The second frame timer coupled to the second image sensor to provide image capture timing signals to the second image sensor.