Global Shutter Pixel Array with Multi-Storage Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 2D image sensors suffer from rolling shutter artifacts due to sequential readout and reset of pixels, which can result in motion artifacts when capturing moving objects, and existing global shutter pixel configurations have limitations that hinder further enhancements for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical electronic device with a global shutter sensor array featuring multiple storage elements per pixel, allowing simultaneous exposure and readout of multiple optical sources at different wavelengths, and a controller to manage integration periods and output stored data, along with analog-to-digital converters and a multiplexer for digital data processing, effectively eliminating rolling shutter artifacts and enabling faster exposure times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential readout of pixels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but rolling shutter artifacts occur causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple independently readable blocks or rows that can be read out simultaneously or in parallel. Each pixel or pixel group has its own storage element, allowing independent readout paths that eliminate the sequential dependency causing rolling shutter artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The readout architecture transitions from a single-dimensional sequential readout to a multi-dimensional parallel readout structure. Multiple readout channels operate simultaneously across different rows or blocks, adding a temporal dimension to the readout process and eliminating the time-dependent artifacts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If global shutter pixels with storage elements are used, then rolling shutter artifacts are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage element is merged with the pixel structure itself, forming an integrated pixel unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate storage components while maintaining the global shutter functionality, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage element serves multiple functions: it stores the optical signal during the exposure period, enables global shutter operation, and facilitates parallel readout. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical sources at different wavelengths are captured simultaneously, then imaging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed to detect different wavelengths of light simultaneously using the same pixel array and readout structure. By capturing multiple wavelengths through a unified optical path and processing system, the design avoids the complexity of separate optical channels while maintaining multi-wavelength imaging capability.
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 solution significantly reduces motion artifacts by allowing simultaneous exposure of all pixels, enabling faster image acquisition and processing, with the ability to capture high-resolution images in a short time, and reduces object movement between exposures, resulting in minimal pixel displacement and enhanced image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a global shutter sensor including an array of global shutter pixels, with each global shutter pixel including a plurality of storage elements
Data Source
AI summary
An optical electronic device may include a plurality of different optical sources, and a global shutter sensor including an array of global shutter pixels, with each global shutter pixel including a plurality of storage elements. A controller may be coupled to the plurality of optical sources and the global shutter sensor and configured to cause a first optical source to illuminate and a first storage element in each global shutter pixel to store optical data during a first integration period, cause a second optical source to illuminate and a second storage element in each global shutter pixel to store optical data during a second integration period, and output the stored optical data from the first and second storage elements of the global shutter pixels after the first and second integration periods.