Solid-State Image Sensor With Segmented Burst And Continuous Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-speed imaging devices face limitations in capturing both ultrahigh-speed and long-duration images due to the limited number of frames in in-situ storage image sensors and the complexity of existing systems that require multiple imaging devices and optical parts for synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image sensor with a CMOS structure featuring a two-dimensional array of pixels and separate memory areas for burst and continuous reading, allowing for concurrent high-speed and long-duration imaging operations without the need for additional devices or optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If in-situ storage image sensor is used for ultrahigh-speed imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but the number of recordable frames is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The memory area is segmented into multiple independent memory sections (first memory area with first number of sections, second memory area with second number of sections). Each memory section can independently store image signals, allowing the system to switch between different frame storage capacities based on imaging needs, thereby resolving the contradiction between high-speed imaging and frame duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by enabling dynamic switching between different memory sections with different frame storage capacities. This allows the system to transition between ultrahigh-speed short-duration imaging and lower-speed long-duration imaging modes, effectively adding a time-scale dimension to the imaging capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging devices and optical parts are used for synchronization, then imaging capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed with multi-functional memory areas that can serve different imaging modes (ultrahigh-speed and continuous imaging) within a single device. This eliminates the need for multiple separate imaging devices and their associated synchronization optical parts, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single image sensor by providing multiple memory areas with different frame storage capacities. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate imaging devices and synchronization mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while preserving comprehensive imaging adaptability.
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
Enables simultaneous ultrahigh-speed imaging at millions of frames per second and prolonged low-frame-rate imaging, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining accurate capture of high-speed phenomena.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel area in which a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion section for receiving light and producing photocharges are arranged
Data Source
AI summary
A burst reading memory section (200) and continuous reading memory section (210) are independently provided for each of the two-dimensionally arrayed pixels (10). The burst reading memory section (200) has capacitors (25001-25104) capable of holding a plurality of signals. The continuous reading memory section (210) has only one capacitor 213. Signal output lines for the two memory sections are separately provided. When a signal produced by photoelectric conversion at the pixel (10) is outputted on a pixel output line (14), the signal can be simultaneously written in the capacitors at both memory sections (200, 201), after which the signals can be separately extracted to the outside at different timings. Therefore, a series of images taken at extremely short intervals of time during a short period of time can be obtained at an arbitrary timing without impeding a continuous image-acquiring operation at a low frame rate. Accordingly, both an ultrahigh-speed imaging operation having a limitation on the number of frames and an imaging that is rather slow but has no limitation on the number of frames can be simultaneously performed.