Image Pickup Device Signal Readout Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup devices face inefficiencies in reading out signals from pixel cells to signal lines, particularly in configurations with multiple signal lines per column, where the technique of reading out signals has not been satisfactorily addressed.
Innovation Solution
A method of driving an image pickup device with a plurality of pixel cells, each including a single amplification transistor and two selection transistors connected to different signal lines, where the periods of the selection transistors being on state are overlapped for efficient signal reading out, allowing signals from one pixel cell to be read out to one signal line while another pixel cell's signal is being read out to a different signal line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple signal lines are provided for pixel cells in a single column, then signal reading out capability is improved, but the technique for reading out signals has not been satisfactorily addressed leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel cells in a single column are divided into different groups, with each group connected to different signal lines. Specifically, first pixel cells are connected to a first signal line and second pixel cells are connected to a second signal line, allowing simultaneous independent reading out of signals from different pixel cell groups through different signal lines
Solution Approach 2:
The selection transistors are configured to be in an on state during overlapping time periods, enabling continuous signal reading out operation. While first selection transistors are on during a first time period, second selection transistors are on during a second time period that overlaps with the first time period, ensuring continuous and efficient signal readout without idle time
2Speed
If selection transistor on periods are overlapped, then reading out speed is improved, but signal rearrangement processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal lines are segmented into different channels (first signal line, second signal line, etc.) that can simultaneously transmit signals from different pixel cell groups. This segmentation allows parallel signal transmission, increasing reading out speed while maintaining organized signal flow that reduces processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time dimension by overlapping the on periods of selection transistors connected to different signal lines. This temporal dimension allows simultaneous operation of multiple signal lines, achieving higher reading out speed without requiring complex spatial rearrangement of signals
Data Source
AI summary
Periods in which first selection transistors of several pixel cells of a plurality of pixel cells are in an on state are overlapped, and periods in which second selection transistors of several other pixel cells of the plurality of pixel cells are in an on state are overlapped.