Solid-State Image Pickup Device Wiring Disconnection Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solid-state image pickup devices, disconnection of readout wiring lines leads to defective lines, especially in large-area photodetecting sections, causing charge overflow and reducing image resolution due to the inability to read out charges from pixel units farther from the integration circuit, resulting in low-resolution images near defective lines.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image pickup device with a correction processing section that applies a coefficient-based correction method to frame data from neighboring columns when a readout wiring line is disconnected, using equations to adjust voltage values and determine corrected values, ensuring high-resolution image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the readout wiring line is disconnected during production, then pixel units farther from the integration circuit cannot read out charges, but charges overflow to neighboring pixel units causing defective lines in three consecutive columns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of defective lines by analyzing pixel data characteristics before final image output. By detecting the presence of defective lines through statistical analysis of pixel values, the system can prepare correction data in advance and apply it to maintain image quality despite wiring disconnections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pixel data from neighboring columns is used to correct and compensate for defective pixel data in the disconnected column. The system continuously monitors pixel data characteristics and adjusts corrections based on the actual measured values from adjacent columns, creating a closed-loop correction system
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional interpolation methods are used for defective lines, then pixel data can be corrected, but image resolution decreases in the vicinity of defective lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different correction strategies to different regions of the image. For defective lines, it uses interpolation from neighboring columns, while for normal regions it preserves original pixel data. This localized approach ensures high resolution is maintained in non-defective areas while providing accurate correction only where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a corrected image by copying pixel data from neighboring columns to replace defective pixel data. Instead of smoothing or blurring the entire image, it selectively copies data from adjacent healthy columns to fill in defective areas, preserving the sharpness and resolution of the overall image
3Area of stationary object
If the photodetecting section has a large area with many pixel units, then imaging coverage increases, but the probability of readout wiring line disconnection increases due to long wiring lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large photodetecting section into multiple columns, each with its own readout wiring line. By segmenting the imaging array this way, the system can identify and correct defective columns independently without affecting the entire image, allowing large-area coverage while maintaining manageable reliability through modular column-based architecture
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 correction processing section effectively corrects pixel data by accounting for the influence of charge generation in defective lines on neighboring columns, maintaining high image resolution even when readout wiring lines are disconnected, particularly in large-area photodetecting sections.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup device 1 includes a photodetecting section 10, a signal readout section 20, a controlling section 30, and a correction processing section 40. In the photodetecting section 10, M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N each including a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a readout switch connected to the photodiode are two-dimensionally arrayed in M rows and N columns. A charge generated in each pixel unit Pm,n is input to an integration circuit Sn through a readout wiring line LO,n, and a voltage value output from the integration circuit Sn according to the charge amount is output to an output wiring line Lout through a holding circuit Hn. In the correction processing section 40, a correction processing is applied to respective frame data output from the signal readout section 20, and the frame data after the correction processing is output. Accordingly, a solid-state image pickup device that allows acquiring a high-resolution image by correcting pixel data when any readout wiring line is disconnected is realized.