Image Sensor Pixel Architecture for Depth and Color Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face challenges in capturing both depth and color images simultaneously due to the size constraints of pixels, which affect photodiode sensitivity and precision in depth measurement.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor architecture that includes a pixel array with shared floating diffusion nodes, allowing for electrical connection control between pixels to switch between color and depth modes, and utilizes separate readout circuits to optimize pixel value conversion and noise removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of the pixel is reduced to fit both depth and color cameras, then the pixel size decreases, but the sensitivity of the photodiode decreases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges depth and color imaging capabilities into a single integrated pixel structure. Multiple photodiodes (including both depth-sensitive and color-sensitive photodiodes) are combined within one pixel unit, allowing simultaneous capture of depth and color information without requiring separate camera systems. This merging enables the system to maintain adequate pixel size for sensitivity while achieving dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel structure is designed with multi-functionality to perform both depth measurement and color imaging tasks. By incorporating multiple photodiodes with different functional characteristics within the same pixel unit, the system achieves universal imaging capability that can operate in both depth mode and color mode, eliminating the need for separate specialized cameras.
2Measurement precision
If separate depth camera and color camera systems are used, then depth measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines what would traditionally be separate depth camera and color camera systems into a single integrated pixel array. By merging the functional components of both systems into one unified structure with shared readout circuits and control mechanisms, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining both depth measurement and color imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system achieves universality by designing pixels that can perform multiple functions - both depth sensing and color capture - within the same hardware structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized systems, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple photodiodes are integrated in one pixel, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple photodiodes into a single pixel unit, integrating depth-sensitive photodiodes and color-sensitive photodiodes in close proximity. This merging approach improves sensitivity by combining the light-capturing capabilities of multiple photodiodes while managing the structural complexity through shared support infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-photodiode pixel structure achieves multi-functionality by incorporating photodiodes with different sensitivity characteristics within the same pixel. This allows the pixel to perform multiple sensing functions simultaneously, improving overall measurement precision while the shared readout circuitry helps manage the complexity that would arise from completely independent processing channels.
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 enhances pixel sensitivity and precision by allowing for optimized operation in both color and depth modes, improving the capture of 3D images while maintaining high color image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The first pixel and the second pixel may sense at least one of a visible light and an infrared ray
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor having a pixel architecture for capturing a depth image and a color image. The image sensor may be configured in a pixel architecture in which a floating diffusion (FD) node is shared, and may operate in different pixel architectures in a depth mode and a color mode, respectively.