TDI Sensor Phase Shift Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large Field of View (FOV) TDI image sensors face limitations in resolution due to undersampling, resulting in undesired quantization distortion, and traditional methods to improve resolution require complex physical movements and control systems.
Innovation Solution
The system electronically introduces a phase shift between sets of image data by dividing the array of light sensing elements into multiple banks, each controlled at a different phase, and combines image data from these phases to enhance resolution without the need for physical movement or complex control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional TDI image sensors are used to capture images in large FOV applications, then the imaging capability at low light levels is improved, but the sampling resolution deteriorates due to undersampling and quantization distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensing element array is divided into multiple banks, with each bank independently controlled at different phases. This segmentation allows each bank to capture image data at different sampling positions, and when combined, the data provides higher effective resolution while maintaining low light imaging capability through the TDI accumulation process
2Measurement precision
If physical movement mechanisms are introduced to improve resolution, then the sampling resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases due to moving parts and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical movement mechanisms with electronic phase control of multiple light sensing element banks. Instead of mechanically moving the sensor or target to achieve different sampling positions, the system electronically switches between multiple banks controlled at different phases, achieving resolution improvement without any moving parts or complex mechanical control systems
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 improves the sampling resolution of TDI image sensors by electronically introducing phase shifts, reducing quantization distortion and enhancing image quality without requiring complex mechanical systems, thus offering a more efficient method for capturing images in large FOV applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each element accumulates an electric charge proportional to the light intensity at that location in the field of view
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a TDI sensor comprising a plurality of light sensing elements arranged in a row, each configured to accumulate charge proportional to an intensity of light incident on it from a field of view, and means for improving the sampling resolution of the TDI sensor by electronically introducing phase shift between a first set of image data generated by the plurality of light sensing elements at a first phase and a second set of image data generated by the plurality of light sensing elements at a second phase, for reading out the first set of image data and the second set of image data from a light sensing element at an end of the row of light sensing elements, and for generating an image of the field of view based on the two sets of phase shifted image data.