Image Sensor Pixel Circuit Column Line Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in efficiently detecting light of different colors due to limitations in pixel design and signal processing, leading to noise and complexity in data reordering.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor incorporates a matrix of pixels with both organic and semiconductor photodiodes stacked together, each connected to specific pixel circuits, sharing column lines to reduce noise and simplify signal processing, allowing simultaneous detection of pixel signals from adjacent pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pixel circuits are connected to separate column lines for simultaneous signal transmission, then color detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pixel circuits (first pixel circuits and second pixel circuits) are merged to share common column lines. Specifically, multiple first pixel circuits share one first column line, and multiple second pixel circuits share one second column line, reducing the total number of column lines while maintaining simultaneous signal transmission capability from different pixel types
Solution Approach 2:
Column lines are designed with universal functionality to handle signals from multiple pixel circuits. The shared column lines can transmit signals from any connected pixel circuit, making the column line structure multi-functional and adaptable to different pixel types (organic and semiconductor photodiodes)
2Device complexity
If pixel circuits share column lines to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but signal transmission capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The column line structure is segmented into separate first column lines and second column lines, where first column lines are dedicated to first pixel circuits and second column lines are dedicated to second pixel circuits. This segmentation prevents signal interference between different pixel types while maintaining sharing within each type
Solution Approach 2:
Column lines act as intermediaries that selectively transmit signals from pixel circuits. The shared column lines serve as mediators that can handle signals from multiple pixel circuits simultaneously without conflict, ensuring reliable signal transmission while reducing overall complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If organic and semiconductor photodiodes are stacked to detect different wavelength bands, then color detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Organic and semiconductor photodiodes are stacked in a nested configuration where one photodiode type is positioned directly over another. This nested structure allows both photodiodes to occupy the same lateral space while detecting different wavelength bands, maximizing space utilization and maintaining color detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor employs a composite structure combining organic and semiconductor photodiode materials in a stacked arrangement. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of different materials to detect different wavelength bands, enhancing color detection capability while the patent addresses manufacturing precision through the shared column line design that simplifies overall device complexity
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 design enhances color detection accuracy, reduces noise, and simplifies data reordering by enabling simultaneous signal transmission from both organic and semiconductor photodiodes within the same pixel group, improving overall image processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an organic photodiode for generating first charges from light having a first wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
a semiconductor photodiode for generating second charges from light having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a plurality of row lines extending in a first direction, a plurality of column lines including a plurality of first column lines and a plurality of second column lines, the plurality of column lines intersects the plurality of row lines, and a plurality of pixels arranged along the plurality of row lines and the plurality of column lines, the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of pixel groups, each of the plurality of pixel groups includes two or more pixels. Each pixel includes a first photoelectric element, a second photoelectric element, a first pixel circuit connected to the first photoelectric element, and a second pixel circuit connected to the second photoelectric element. In each pixel group, the first pixel circuits share one of the plurality of first column lines and the second pixel circuits share one of the plurality of second column lines.