Nona-binning
Nona-binning is a pixel binning technique used in high-resolution image sensors, primarily in smartphone cameras. The method is based on merging groups of nine neighbouring pixels arranged in a 3×3 pattern. This configuration allows a sensor with very small individual pixels to increase its effective light sensitivity when operating in low-light conditions, while still maintaining high nominal resolution in bright environments.[1]
Overview
Nona-binning is most commonly implemented in sensors with a resolution of 108 megapixels and higher.[2] As pixel counts grew, the physical dimensions of individual pixels continued to shrink, reducing the amount of light captured by each. The 3×3 binning structure enables a sensor to operate in two modes. In well-lit scenes, each pixel is processed separately, providing the full resolution of the sensor. In darker settings, nine pixels with identical colour filters are combined into a single output unit, increasing signal strength and reducing noise.[3]
Technical principles
Unlike the traditional Bayer colour filter array, which alternates colours on a per-pixel basis, nona-binning uses a grouped layout. The sensor forms blocks of nine pixels with matching colour filters — typically within a Quad Bayer–derived arrangement extended to 3×3 regions.[4] When operating in the binning mode, the sensor aggregates the charge generated by all nine pixels in each block. This increases effective sensitivity but lowers the final image resolution. When lighting conditions allow, the sensor returns to processing pixel data individually.[5]
Applications
Nona-binning is primarily used in:
- Smartphone photography, particularly in devices equipped with sensors exceeding 100 megapixels.[6]
- Low-light imaging, where increased sensitivity improves exposure stability and reduces noise.[7]
- Computational photography systems, such as multi-frame processing and HDR capture.[8]
Related technologies
Nona-binning belongs to the broader group of pixel-binning approaches used in modern sensors. Other implementations include Tetracell, which merges four pixels in a 2×2 block, and hexa-binning, which combines six pixels, though it is less common. All of these methods aim to balance the high nominal resolution of mobile sensors with the need for improved low-light performance.[9]
References
- ↑ Carrasqueira, João (2022-02-15). "Nona-binning and Tetra-binning explained: What are these features on the Galaxy S22 camera?" (in en). https://www.xda-developers.com/nona-binning-tetra-binning-explained/.
- ↑ Bhatia, Sanuj (2022-03-26). "Galaxy S22 camera features: What is nona-binning & tetra-binning?" (in en). https://pocketnow.com/galaxy-s22-nona-tetra-binning/.
- ↑ "Nona-binning makes the Galaxy S22 Ultra take great photos — here's why" (in en). 2022-03-25. https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/nona-binning-makes-the-galaxy-s22-ultra-take-great-photos-heres-why.
- ↑ "Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra's 108-megapixel 'Nona-binning' explained" (in en). 2020-02-13. https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-s-108-megapixel-nona-binning-explained-story-LBQ7V9Dmw2fUDYd56a25SL.html.
- ↑ "What is pixel binning? Everything to know about this photographic technique" (in en). 2023-02-28. https://www.androidauthority.com/what-is-pixel-binning-966179/.
- ↑ "Best Phones - All Categories" (in en). https://toptechchoices.com/best/phones/.
- ↑ Kerns, Taylor (2022-02-26). "What is pixel binning, and what does it mean for your mobile photography?" (in en). https://www.androidpolice.com/what-is-pixel-binning/.
- ↑ Sarwar, Nadeem (2022-06-09). "What is pixel binning? The Galaxy S22 feature that makes your photos great" (in en-us). https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-galaxy-s22-pixel-binning-explained-tetra-nona/.
- ↑ Carrasqueira, João (2022-02-15). "Nona-binning and Tetra-binning explained: What are these features on the Galaxy S22 camera?" (in en). https://www.xda-developers.com/nona-binning-tetra-binning-explained/.
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