Solid-State Image Pickup Device Parallel Readout Optical Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The solid-state image pickup device described in Patent Literature 1 has a larger region area per pixel unit and a smaller aperture ratio due to the need for multiple switches and storage sections, which limits its ability to handle variations in the number of optical signal receiving regions, and it cannot receive optical signals when the number of regions exceeds the number of second signal readout means.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a light receiving section with M×N pixel units, each with a photodiode and charge accumulating section, and separate row selecting and readout sections that operate in parallel to manage charge output through multiple readout signal lines, allowing flexible selection and output of data from different rows to accommodate varying numbers of optical signal receiving regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches and storage sections are added to support multiple readout means, then the device can handle variations in the number of optical signal receiving regions, but the region area per pixel unit increases and the aperture ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second readout sections are designed to process both image signals and optical communication signals. The same hardware infrastructure (pixel units, charge accumulating sections, row selecting sections, and readout sections) is used for multiple purposes: image pickup mode and optical communication mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate hardware for optical communication, thereby avoiding increase in region area per pixel unit while maintaining the ability to handle variations in the number of optical signal receiving regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically switches between different operational modes (image pickup mode and optical communication mode) and can flexibly configure the number of active optical signal receiving regions. The row selecting sections and readout sections can be dynamically assigned to different rows based on the number of optical signals to be received, allowing the system to adapt to varying communication requirements without permanent hardware additions that would increase pixel unit area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches and storage sections are added to support multiple readout means, then the device can handle variations in the number of optical signal receiving regions, but the aperture ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The photodiodes in the pixel units serve dual purposes: capturing light for image pickup and receiving optical communication signals. By using the same photodiode structure for both functions without adding separate dedicated photodiodes or switches, the aperture ratio is preserved. The charge accumulating sections and subsequent processing circuits handle both image and communication signals, eliminating the need for additional aperture-reducing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the optical communication reception function with the existing image pickup hardware. The pixel units, charge accumulating sections, row selecting sections, and readout sections are used for both image pickup and optical communication. This consolidation avoids adding separate hardware components that would increase pixel unit area and reduce the aperture ratio, while still providing the capability to handle variations in the number of optical signal receiving regions.
3Device complexity
If the number of second signal readout means is limited, then the device structure is simplified, but it cannot receive optical signals when the number of regions exceeds the number of readout means
Solution Approach 1:
The row selecting sections and readout sections are dynamically assigned based on the number of optical signals to be received. When fewer optical signals are present, fewer rows are activated. When more optical signals need to be received, additional rows can be dynamically assigned to the available readout sections. This dynamic configuration allows the system to handle any number of optical signal receiving regions up to the total number of rows M, without requiring a fixed number of readout means equal to the maximum possible regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiving section is divided into M rows, and the row selecting sections can independently select and activate specific rows for optical communication. This segmentation allows flexible assignment of rows to communication functions based on the actual number of optical signals to be received, enabling the system to adapt to varying numbers of optical signal receiving regions without requiring a proportional increase in readout means.
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 suppresses the increase in region area per pixel unit and maintains a high aperture ratio, enabling flexible response to variations in the number of optical signal receiving regions and effective optical communication.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving section where M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N each including a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light amount
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup device 1 includes a light receiving section 10, a first row selecting section 20, a second row selecting section 30, a first readout section 40, a second readout section 50, and a control section 60. Data of pixel units of rows in the light receiving section 10 selected by the first row selecting section 20 are output by the first readout section 40 to obtain image pickup data, and further, data of the pixel units of rows in the light receiving section 10 selected by the second row selecting section 30 are output by the second readout section 50 to obtain communication data.