Dual Readout Pixel Cell for High-Resolution Global Shutter Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image sensors operating in global shutter mode have lower resolution and require more space for readout circuits compared to rolling shutter mode, while rolling shutter mode has longer illumination times and higher power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A pixel cell design with two readout components, one for each wavelength range, using storage capacitors or a memory element to read out electrical signals sequentially, allowing for independent operation and reducing illumination time, thus achieving high resolution and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If global shutter mode is used, then illumination time is reduced, but readout circuit space increases and resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination timeVSAvoidreadout circuit space

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel array is divided into two separate groups: first pixels for visible light detection and second pixels for infrared detection. Each group has its own dedicated readout component, allowing independent operation and optimized readout paths that reduce the space required for the overall readout circuit while enabling global shutter operation with reduced illumination time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The image sensor is designed to detect multiple wavelength ranges (visible and infrared) using two different pixel types with different readout components. This multi-functional design allows the sensor to operate in global shutter mode with reduced illumination time while maintaining compact readout circuitry through specialized dedicated paths for each wavelength range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of moving object

If global shutter mode is used, then illumination time is reduced, but resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination timeVSAvoidresolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the pixel array into first pixels for visible light and second pixels for infrared light, each with dedicated readout components, the system can perform global shutter operation with reduced illumination time while maintaining high resolution through specialized readout paths optimized for each wavelength range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If rolling shutter mode is used, then resolution is maintained, but illumination time increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidillumination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented pixel array with dedicated readout components allows each pixel group to operate independently in global shutter mode, achieving reduced illumination time while maintaining high resolution through specialized readout paths, thereby avoiding the prolonged illumination time and high power consumption of rolling shutter mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If rolling shutter mode is used, then resolution is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the pixel array into two independently operated groups with dedicated readout components, the system enables global shutter operation with reduced illumination time and lower power consumption while maintaining high resolution through optimized specialized readout paths for each wavelength range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enables a high-resolution image sensor with reduced power consumption and compact readout circuitry, combining the advantages of both global and rolling shutter modes.

Implementation Method 1

each pixel comprising a photodiode. The photodiodes are each configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12123771B2Pixel cell, image sensor and method for operating a pixel cell with two readout components

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 AMS SENSORS BELGIUM BVBA

AI summary

A pixel cell comprises a plurality of pixels, each pixel comprising a photodiode, a readout circuit comprising a first readout component and a second readout component, wherein a first group of the pixels is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength range, a second group of the pixels is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a second wavelength range, the first readout component is connected with the first group of pixels, the second readout component is connected with the second group of pixels, the first wavelength range is different from the second wavelength range, and the second readout component comprises a plurality of storage capacitors, wherein each pixel of the second group of pixels is assigned to at least one of the storage capacitors, or the second readout component comprises a memory element. Furthermore, a method for operating a pixel cell is provided.