Solid-State Image Pickup Column Signal Crosstalk Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crosstalk between column signal processing circuits in different power states degrades image quality in solid-state image pickup apparatuses, leading to reduced resolution and image fidelity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus independently switches column signal processing circuits between driving and power saving states using distinct signal lines for analog signals, isolating clip voltage signals to prevent crosstalk and maintain high-resolution image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If column signal processing circuits share common signal lines for analog signals, then device complexity is reduced, but crosstalk occurs between circuits in different power states degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common signal line into separate signal lines for different power states. Specifically, it provides a first signal line for column signal processing circuits in a first power state and a second signal line for circuits in a second power state, preventing crosstalk while maintaining manageable complexity through organized segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different signal line configurations to different local regions based on power state. Column signal processing circuits operating in different power states are assigned different signal line characteristics, with isolated signal lines for analog signals to prevent interference in specific local contexts.
2Use of energy by moving object
If column signal processing circuits are independently switched between driving and power saving states, then power consumption is reduced, but crosstalk between circuits in different states degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission paths by providing separate first and second signal lines for different power states. This segmentation allows independent power state control while preventing crosstalk, as circuits in different power states use isolated signal lines for analog signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces isolated signal lines as intermediary transmission paths between column signal processing circuits in different power states. These intermediary signal lines act as buffers that prevent direct interference while allowing both power states to coexist, maintaining image quality during power savings operation.
3Reliability
If isolated signal lines are provided for analog signals to different column signal processing circuits, then crosstalk is reduced improving image quality, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies isolated signal lines specifically to analog signal transmission paths where crosstalk most critically affects image quality, while other signal types may share common lines. This localized application of isolation reduces overall complexity compared to complete isolation of all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolated signal lines serve multiple functions: they transmit analog signals, prevent crosstalk between power states, and enable independent power state control. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single signal line architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and a plurality of column signal processing circuits provided respectively for the columns of the pixel array, each being configured to receive output signals from the pixels and an analog signal varying with time. The plurality of column signal processing circuits include a first column signal processing circuit and a second column signal processing circuit configured such that each of the first column signal processing circuit and the second column signal processing circuit is configured to be independently switched between a driving state and a power saving state. A signal line for supplying the analog signal to the first column signal processing circuit and a signal line for supplying the analog signal to the second column signal processing circuit are electrically isolated from each other.