Diagonal Tap Image Sensor Reducing Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors, particularly those using Current-Assisted Photonic Demodulators (CAPD), face challenges in minimizing power consumption, which is crucial for high-performance and energy-efficient applications such as smartphones, medical devices, and IoT systems.
Innovation Solution
The design of an image sensor with a pixel array where each unit pixel includes two taps spaced apart diagonally to maximize the distance between them, reducing power consumption by increasing resistance and thus minimizing the hole current flow, while maintaining efficient depth measurement capabilities using the Time of Flight (TOF) method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the distance between taps is increased to reduce power consumption, then the hole current flow is minimized, but the device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The taps are arranged diagonally across the pixel rather than horizontally or vertically, utilizing the diagonal dimension to maximize distance between taps while fitting within the pixel boundary. This diagonal arrangement allows achieving maximum separation distance without simply expanding the pixel area in one direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel structure employs asymmetric placement of taps at opposite corners rather than symmetric arrangements. This asymmetric diagonal configuration optimizes the distance between taps for power reduction while maintaining compact pixel dimensions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the distance between taps is maximized to increase resistance, then power consumption is reduced, but the depth measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial parameter of tap arrangement from conventional horizontal/vertical alignment to diagonal positioning. This parameter change simultaneously achieves maximum distance (increasing resistance and reducing power) while maintaining the geometric relationship needed for accurate TOF depth measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning to diagonal arrangement, the system exploits an additional spatial dimension within the pixel to achieve both power reduction and measurement precision. The diagonal path provides maximum separation while the geometric configuration preserves the optical measurement integrity.
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 configuration effectively reduces power consumption while maintaining the high efficiency of depth measurement, making it suitable for energy-sensitive applications and enhancing the compatibility of image sensors with mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first tap configured to capture and accumulate signal carriers within a hole current through a rectilinear-shaped detection node
Implementation Method 2
maintaining efficient depth measurement capabilities using the Time of Flight (TOF) method
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor is disclosed, which relates to technology for detecting the distance to a target object. The image sensor includes a first tap configured to capture and accumulate signal carriers, and a second tap spaced apart a set distance from the first tap. The first tap and the second tap are disposed in a diagonal direction at opposite vertex regions of a unit pixel.