DVS Pixel Readout Layout for Higher Light-Reception Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dynamic vision sensors (DVS), the need for a detection circuit to identify address events reduces the occupation ratio of light-receiving elements on the surface, leading to deteriorated light-reception efficiency due to the additional circuitry required for pixel signal reading.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solid-state imaging device incorporates a configuration with a first and second readout circuit, where the second readout circuit controls the first and converts voltage signals into logarithmic values, optimizing the arrangement of transistors and photoelectric conversion regions to reduce the circuit's scale and enhance light-reception efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a detection circuit is provided for every pixel to detect address events in real time, then high-speed processing capability is improved, but the occupation ratio of light-receiving elements decreases and light-reception efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple blocks, with each block containing multiple pixels that share common readout circuits. This segmentation allows reduction of per-pixel circuitry while maintaining functional capabilities through shared resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The readout circuits are designed to serve multiple functions: they can read out pixel signals from multiple pixels within a block and also perform address event detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection circuits for each pixel, reducing overall circuit occupation and improving light-reception efficiency while maintaining high-speed processing capability.
2Extent of automation
If additional circuit configuration is added for address event detection, then real-time detection capability is improved, but the occupation ratio of light-receiving elements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The address event detection function is merged into the existing readout circuit structure. The same readout circuits that read pixel signals also detect address events by monitoring for simultaneous changes in multiple pixels within a block, eliminating the need for separate detection circuits and preserving light-receiving element area.
Solution Approach 2:
The readout circuits perform dual functions: signal reading and address event detection. This universal design enables real-time detection capability without adding dedicated detection circuitry for each pixel, thereby maintaining a high occupation ratio of light-receiving elements.
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 improves light-reception efficiency by minimizing the occupation ratio of light-receiving elements on the surface, allowing for higher sensitivity and performance in high-speed imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a set of photoelectric conversion regions sharing the at least one floating diffusion region and that convert incident light into electric charges
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes at least one floating diffusion region, and a set of photoelectric conversion regions sharing the at least one floating diffusion region and that convert incident light into electric charges. The imaging device includes a first readout circuit and a second readout circuit. The first readout circuit is coupled to the at least one floating diffusion region and located at a first side of the set of photoelectric conversion region, and the second readout circuit is coupled to the at least one floating diffusion region. The second readout circuit includes a portion located at a second side of the set of photoelectric conversion regions that is opposite the first side, and the second readout circuit is configured to control the first readout circuit.