Solid-State Image Sensor Pixel Coupling for Dynamic Range Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image pickup devices face challenges in switching conversion efficiency without increasing pixel area, particularly in managing dynamic range across varying light intensities, as they require additional components for capacity switching which complicates pixel design.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a configuration with multiple pixels, each equipped with a photoelectric conversion section, charge holding sections, and a pixel connection section that allows charge sharing between pixels, along with a pixel reset section to manage charge distribution and conversion efficiency, utilizing MOS transistors for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a capacity switching switch and charge accumulation section are used to switch conversion efficiency, then the dynamic range is widened and visibility is improved, but the pixel area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charge holding function across multiple pixels by enabling charge sharing through the pixel connection section. Instead of each pixel having its own independent charge accumulation section, the invention combines the charge holding capability of multiple pixels into a shared resource, thereby achieving variable conversion efficiency without adding dedicated accumulation sections to each pixel.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel connection section serves multiple functions: it enables charge sharing between pixels for dynamic range expansion, maintains individual pixel operation when not active, and facilitates reset operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, keeping the pixel area compact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the capacity of the charge voltage conversion section is increased to reduce conversion efficiency in high light intensity, then the image signal voltage is prevented from saturation, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charge holding sections of multiple pixels to create a larger effective capacity when needed. By connecting multiple pixels' charge holding sections in parallel through the pixel connection section, the system achieves variable capacity without requiring separate accumulation sections or complex switching mechanisms for each pixel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its effective capacity by controlling the pixel connection section's conductivity. When high light intensity is detected, the pixel connection section connects multiple pixels' charge holding sections to increase capacity and reduce conversion efficiency. When low light intensity is detected, the connection is断开 to maintain individual pixel operation with higher conversion efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If charge is shared between multiple pixels, then conversion efficiency can be switched without increasing individual pixel area, but charge management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel connection section is designed to serve multiple purposes: enabling charge sharing for dynamic range expansion, maintaining individual pixel independence when not active, and facilitating reset operations across multiple pixels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing photoelectric conversion sections and charge holding sections of multiple pixels to provide the charge sharing function. Rather than adding external charge management components, the invention makes the pixel array itself self-sufficient by enabling inter-pixel charge transfer through the pixel connection section.
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 configuration enables efficient switching of conversion efficiency while maintaining a compact pixel area, thereby enhancing the dynamic range and preventing image signal saturation across different light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion section that generates a charge according to irradiated light
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup device includes a plurality of pixels, a pixel connection section, and a pixel reset section. The plurality of pixels each include a photoelectric conversion section that generates a charge according to irradiated light, a charge holding section that holds the generated charge, and a signal generation section that generates as an image signal a signal according to the held charge. The pixel connection section conducts between charge holding sections of the plurality of pixels and thereby allows each of the charge holding sections of the plurality of pixels to hold the charge that has been generated by the photoelectric conversion section of one pixel of the plurality of pixels. The pixel reset section discharges and resets the charge of the respective charge holding sections of the plurality of pixels when the pixel connection section conducts between the respective charge holding sections of the plurality of pixels.