Weighted Pixel Addition for False Color Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state imaging technologies face challenges in achieving high frame rates without generating false colors at image edges, particularly when photoelectric conversion signals are added without weighting, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging apparatus with a pixel array and an adding circuit that performs weighted addition averaging of signals from divided pixels, allowing for differential weighting of signals from adjacent pixels to align weighted center positions at an equal pitch, thereby reducing false colors and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If photoelectric conversion signals are added without weighting, then the processing is simple, but false colors are generated at image edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different weighting coefficients to different pixels based on their local position and function. Specifically, center pixels use a weighting coefficient of 1 while peripheral pixels use a weighting coefficient of 0.5, creating local quality differences that eliminate false colors at image edges while maintaining simple overall processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of weighting coefficients applied to pixel signals. By introducing variable weighting coefficients (1 for center pixels, 0.5 for peripheral pixels) instead of uniform weighting, the signal-to-noise ratio is improved and false color generation is suppressed without significantly increasing processing complexity
2Productivity
If signals from multiple pixels are added for compression, then the frame rate increases, but false colors appear at image edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different weighting coefficients to different pixels based on their local position. Center pixels used for compression have a weighting coefficient of 1, while peripheral pixels have a weighting coefficient of 0.5. This local quality differentiation allows compression to increase frame rate while suppressing false color generation at image edges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the weighting coefficient parameter in the signal addition process. By setting weighting coefficients to 1 for center pixels and 0.5 for peripheral pixels, the patent achieves both high frame rate through compression and suppression of false colors, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors
3Ease of operation
If uniform weighting is applied to all pixels in addition averaging, then the processing is straightforward, but image quality deteriorates due to false colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different weighting coefficients to different pixels based on their local position and functional role. Center pixels have a weighting coefficient of 1 while peripheral pixels have a weighting coefficient of 0.5. This creates local quality differences that improve image quality by suppressing false colors while maintaining relatively simple processing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the weighting coefficient parameter from a uniform value to position-dependent values (1 for center pixels, 0.5 for peripheral pixels). This parameter change improves image quality by reducing false color generation while keeping the processing method straightforward and easy to implement
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 solution enables high frame rate imaging with minimal false color generation at image edges, enhancing image quality and allowing for stable autofocusing through improved signal-to-noise ratios.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel includes a photodiode that performs photoelectric conversion on incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state imaging apparatus includes: a pixel array in which pixels having color filters are arrayed in a matrix shape in accordance with a predetermined color arrangement, with each pixel including a plurality of divided pixels having a color filter of the same color; and an adding circuit that performs addition averaging of a plurality of signals output from the divided pixels included in a plurality of pixels having color filters of the same color. Among a plurality of pixels that are an object of the addition averaging, a number of signals output from the respective divided pixels of which the adding circuit performs addition averaging is different for at least one pixel relative to the other pixels.