18335488. IMAGE SENSOR PERFORMING SELECTIVE MULTIPLE SAMPLING AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
IMAGE SENSOR PERFORMING SELECTIVE MULTIPLE SAMPLING AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Kyung-Min Kim of Suwon-si (KR)
IMAGE SENSOR PERFORMING SELECTIVE MULTIPLE SAMPLING AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18335488 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR PERFORMING SELECTIVE MULTIPLE SAMPLING AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an image sensor that includes a pixel array with multiple pixels, each having a first and second photodiode. The first photodiode outputs a first pixel signal based on a first conversion gain in a third period, and a fourth pixel signal based on a second conversion gain in a fourth period. The second photodiode outputs a first pixel signal based on a first conversion gain in a first period, and a second pixel signal based on a second conversion gain in a second period. An ADC circuit samples the reset signal and image signal of each pixel signal, with the sampling count and number of sampling bits adjusted differently for each period.
- The image sensor has a pixel array with multiple pixels, each containing two photodiodes.
- Each pixel outputs different pixel signals based on different conversion gains and using different photodiodes in different periods.
- An ADC circuit samples the reset signal and image signal of each pixel signal.
- The sampling count and number of sampling bits are adjusted differently for each period.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Digital cameras and smartphones: The image sensor can improve image quality and dynamic range, resulting in better photos and videos.
- Surveillance systems: The image sensor can capture clearer and more detailed images, enhancing security monitoring.
- Medical imaging: The technology can be used in X-ray or ultrasound imaging devices to improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Limited dynamic range: By using different conversion gains and photodiodes, the image sensor can capture a wider range of light intensities, reducing overexposure and underexposure in images.
- Noise reduction: The ADC circuit's sampling of the reset signal helps reduce noise in the pixel signals, resulting in cleaner and more accurate image data.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved image quality: The use of different conversion gains and photodiodes allows for better capture of details and a wider dynamic range, resulting in higher-quality images.
- Enhanced low-light performance: The image sensor's ability to adjust conversion gains and utilize different photodiodes improves sensitivity to light, enabling better image capture in low-light conditions.
- Reduced noise: The ADC circuit's sampling of the reset signal helps reduce noise in the pixel signals, leading to cleaner and more accurate image data.
Original Abstract Submitted
Disclosed is an image sensor including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including a first photodiode and a second photodiode, each of which outputs a first pixel signal based on a first conversion gain using the second photodiode in a first period, outputs a second pixel signal based on a second conversion gain using the second photodiode in a second period, outputs a third pixel signal based on the first conversion gain using the first photodiode in a third period, and outputs a fourth pixel signal based on the second conversion gain using the first photodiode in a fourth period, an ADC circuit that performs sampling on a reset signal and an image signal of each of the first to fourth pixel signal. A sampling count and the number of sampling bits are adjusted differently from each of the first to fourth period.
