Hybrid Shutter Image Sensor for Low-Power Distortion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-performance image sensors require large size and high power consumption, making them unsuitable for miniaturization and low-power applications, especially in modes requiring high-resolution photography and video capture without distortion.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor utilizing a hybrid shutter method with shared pixel signal output circuits and transistors, allowing for optimized operation modes by switching between rolling and global shutter driving methods, reducing power consumption and size through the use of adjacent photo diodes and shared storage regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-performance image sensors are used to achieve high-resolution photography and video capture without distortion, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid shutter mechanism that dynamically switches between rolling shutter mode and global shutter mode based on operational requirements. The pixel circuit includes transfer transistors and storage regions that enable flexible switching between different charge transfer timing schemes, allowing the system to adapt its shutter behavior to match the specific imaging task, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel circuit is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform both rolling shutter and global shutter operations using the same hardware structure. The circuit includes shared components such as transfer transistors, storage regions, and signal output circuits that can operate in different modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each shutter type and reducing overall power consumption and device size.
2Measurement precision
If high-performance image sensors are used to achieve high-resolution photography and video capture without distortion, then image quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate rolling shutter and global shutter circuits into a single hybrid pixel circuit. By combining the charge transfer mechanisms and sharing common components such as transfer transistors, storage regions, and signal output circuits, the design achieves both shutter modes within a compact footprint, reducing device size while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel circuit is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform both rolling shutter and global shutter operations using the same hardware structure. The circuit includes shared components such as transfer transistors, storage regions, and signal output circuits that can operate in different modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each shutter type and reducing overall device size.
3Use of energy by moving object
If rolling shutter method is used, then power consumption is reduced, but image distortion occurs in video capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid shutter mechanism that dynamically switches between rolling shutter mode and global shutter mode based on operational requirements. The pixel circuit includes transfer transistors and storage regions that enable flexible switching between different charge transfer timing schemes, allowing the system to adapt its shutter behavior to match the specific imaging task, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining image quality.
4Reliability
If global shutter method is used, then image distortion is minimized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid shutter mechanism that dynamically switches between rolling shutter mode and global shutter mode based on operational requirements. The pixel circuit includes transfer transistors and storage regions that enable flexible switching between different charge transfer timing schemes, allowing the system to adapt its shutter behavior to match the specific imaging task, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel circuit is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform both rolling shutter and global shutter operations using the same hardware structure. The circuit includes shared components such as transfer transistors, storage regions, and signal output circuits that can operate in different modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each shutter type and reducing overall power consumption.
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 image sensor achieves miniaturization and low power consumption while maintaining high-resolution photography and minimizing image distortion, suitable for various applications by optimizing power usage based on operational modes.
Implementation Method 1
n (n is an integer number above 2) photo diodes which respectively generate electric charges in response to incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes: n photo diodes which respectively generate electric charges in response to incident light and are adjacent to each other; a first pixel signal output circuit shared by the n photo diodes, converts an amount of the electric charges of each the n photo diodes in order into a first pixel signal in response to a first mode signal and outputs the first pixel signal in order; and a second pixel signal output circuit which comprises a storage region shared by the n photo diodes, converts amounts of the electric charges of the n photo diodes stored together in the storage region or a voltage corresponding to the amounts of the electric charges of the n photo diode into a second pixel signal in response to a second mode signal and outputs the second pixel signal.