CCD Multiple Readout Paths Sub-Array Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge-coupled devices with four readout devices lack flexibility in design choices, leading to inefficiencies in layout, cost, and spatial considerations.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with multiple sub-arrays connected to delay areas of varying pitches and readout mechanisms, allowing for efficient charge transfer and reduced surface area usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art charge coupled devices use four intermediate registers each coupled to four horizontal register segments, then multiple readout paths are achieved, but device complexity and surface area consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent sub-arrays, each with its own delay area and readout mechanism. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized independently and reduces the complexity of the overall system by distributing the readout functionality across multiple simpler units rather than one complex centralized structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different delay areas are assigned different pitch dimensions tailored to their specific sub-array requirements. The first delay area has a pitch optimized for its sub-array, while the second delay area has a different pitch optimized for its sub-array, allowing each local region to have the quality needed for its specific function rather than using a uniform design throughout.
2Ease of manufacture
If prior art charge coupled devices use uniform register structures, then manufacturing is simplified, but design flexibility and spatial optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different pitch dimensions for different delay areas according to their specific requirements. The first delay area uses a pitch optimized for its sub-array geometry, while the second delay area uses a different pitch optimized for its sub-array, allowing each local region to have the quality needed for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure is designed to support multiple readout paths that can be selectively activated. The same basic architecture of sub-arrays with delay areas and readout mechanisms can be configured for different imaging applications, providing universal functionality across multiple use cases while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
3Measurement precision
If charge transfer time varies across sub-arrays, then precise timing is achieved, but readout efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of different readout mechanisms to coordinate their operation. By making the system adaptive rather than static, it can optimize performance for varying conditions while maintaining precise timing control across all sub-arrays regardless of their different charge transfer characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Delay areas serve as intermediary structures between the photoelectric conversion sub-arrays and the final readout mechanisms. These intermediaries buffer and synchronize the charge transfer from different sub-arrays, allowing precise timing control while maintaining high readout efficiency by preventing timing conflicts at the readout stage.
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 results in an image sensor with four readout devices that consumes less surface area and reduces costs while maintaining efficient charge transfer across sub-arrays.
Implementation Method 1
first and second delay areas respectively connected to each sub-array for respectively receiving charge from the sub-array
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in at least two sub-arrays; first and second delay areas respectively connected to each sub-array for respectively receiving charge from the sub-array; wherein a pitch of the first delay area is different from the second delay area and at least two readout mechanisms for respectively receiving the charge from the delay areas, wherein a same line from the first and second sub-arrays is received by each delay area at substantially the same time.