Image Sensor Pixel Array Segmentation for Multi-Wavelength Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CMOS image sensors face limitations in spatial response and spectral resolution due to the degradation caused by color filter materials, which restrict their ability to capture high-resolution images across different wavelengths efficiently, leading to potential blurring when taking multiple exposures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image sensor configuration with an array of photodiode pixels and capacitors, controlled by an address decoder that allows for separate exposure control of interlaced rows or columns, enabling rapid capture of two-dimensional images at different wavelengths by utilizing multiple storage elements per pixel to store and manage charge effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple exposures are taken to capture different wavelengths, then spectral resolution is improved, but capture time increases and blurring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple independently controllable segments (e.g., interlaced rows or columns) that can be exposed simultaneously at different wavelengths. The address decoder separates the array into two or more parts, each part separately controlled to take at least one exposure separate from each other part, enabling parallel multi-wavelength capture without increasing total capture time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the segmentation by enabling different segments to be exposed at different times within the same capture cycle. The address decoder controls segments to take exposures at different times, allowing spectral information to be captured across multiple time points while maintaining spatial resolution through the segmented architecture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple exposures are taken to capture different wavelengths, then spectral resolution is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to blurring
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into independently controllable parts and exposing each segment simultaneously at a specific wavelength, the patent eliminates motion blur that would occur with sequential full-array exposures. Each segment captures a complete spatial frame at its designated wavelength, ensuring image quality while achieving spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The address decoder implements periodic control signals that systematically activate different segments in a repeating cycle. This periodic action ensures that each segment receives the appropriate exposure timing and duration, maintaining consistent image quality across all wavelength channels while enabling comprehensive spectral capture.
3Productivity
If the entire pixel array is exposed simultaneously, then capture speed is improved, but spectral resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple independently controllable parts, each assigned to capture a specific wavelength range. The address decoder enables simultaneous exposure of different segments at different wavelengths, achieving both high capture speed (parallel operation) and spectral resolution (wavelength-specific segmentation).
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel segment is designed with multi-functionality, capable of capturing different wavelength ranges by receiving different control signals from the address decoder. This universal design allows the same hardware to perform both high-speed imaging and spectral analysis by dynamically assigning wavelength ranges to different segments based on exposure requirements.
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 approach enables cost-effective, rapid capture of images at different wavelengths, reducing capture time and minimizing blurring, while maintaining high spatial and spectral resolution, even with multiple exposures.
Implementation Method 1
an array of photodiode pixels configured to be sensitive to light, each pixel comprising a photodiode
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of capacitors configured to store charge from the photodiode
Data Source
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AI summary
An image sensor comprising: an array of photodiode pixels configured to be sensitive to light, each pixel comprising a photodiode, and a plurality of capacitors configured to store charge from the photodiode; an address decoder configured to control the array of photodiode pixels such that the array of photodiode pixels may be divided into two or more parts, each part separately controlled to take at least one exposure separate from each other part.