Mixed Event-Gradation Pixel Layout for Miniaturized Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solid-state imaging devices, the miniaturization of pixels leads to a situation where necessary elements cannot be completely accommodated in one pixel, necessitating a suitable pixel layout for efficient luminance and event signal output.
Innovation Solution
A pixel layout is designed where event pixels detect luminance changes exceeding a threshold and gradation pixels output luminance signals, with a color filter shared across multiple pixels, and transistors are strategically placed to enhance event detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If pixel size is reduced for miniaturization, then area efficiency is improved, but the ability to accommodate all necessary elements within one pixel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is divided into multiple regions with different functions: a first region containing a photodiode for luminance signal generation, and a second region containing event detection circuitry. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, enabling miniaturization while maintaining all necessary functional elements within the reduced pixel area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the luminance signal generation function and event detection function into a single integrated pixel structure. By combining these functions in one pixel with dedicated regions for each, the design achieves miniaturization without sacrificing the ability to perform both luminance and event detection tasks.
2Reliability
If event pixel region size is increased to accommodate detection circuitry, then event detection capability is improved, but pixel density and area efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The event pixel is designed with a specific regional structure where the second region dedicated to event detection is localized and optimized. This local quality approach ensures that event detection circuitry is concentrated in a specific area, improving detection capability while controlling the overall pixel size to maintain high pixel density.
3Ease of manufacture
If color filters are formed in units of multiple pixels, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of pixel layout design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel design incorporates multiple functional regions within a single pixel structure that can accommodate different color filter arrangements. The first region for luminance signal generation and the second region for event detection work together in a universal design that supports various color filter configurations, simplifying manufacturing while managing layout complexity through standardized regional division.
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 layout enables efficient miniaturization of pixels while maintaining effective luminance and event signal generation, improving the solid-state imaging device's performance and area efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode that photoelectrically convert incident light to generate a photocurrent
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state imaging device, an electronic device, and a distance measurement system for miniaturization of pixels in a device that outputs a luminance signal and an event signal. A device includes: a pixel array unit in which an event pixel that detects that a luminance change exceeds a predetermined threshold and a gradation pixel that outputs a luminance signal of a gradation level according to a light amount of incident light are mixed, in which a color filter of the same color is formed in units of two or more pixels in the gradation pixel, and the event pixel is disposed with a region size in which at least two of the gradation pixels are arranged in a row direction or a column direction. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a distance measurement system or the like that generates image information and distance measurement information.