Solid-State Image Sensor Pixel Groups for Unique Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state imaging devices lack a robust method to generate a unique value for device identification and encryption that is difficult to duplicate, which is essential for secure operations.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image sensor with a drive control unit that manages two distinct groups of unit pixels, allowing for the generation of unique signals by detecting variations in signals from unit pixels with different structures, thereby producing a physically unclonable function (PUF) value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unit pixels with different structures are used to generate unique device values, then device identification and encryption security are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into two distinct groups: first unit pixels with a first structure and second unit pixels with a second structure. This segmentation allows the device to generate unique identification values through the inherent physical variations in each group's structure, while maintaining separate functional pathways that resolve the complexity issue through organized modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array serves multiple functions: it can operate in a first drive mode to generate image signals from first unit pixels, and in a second drive mode to generate unique device identification values by detecting variations in second unit pixels. This multi-functionality allows a single hardware structure to fulfill both imaging and security identification purposes without requiring entirely separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive modes are implemented for different pixel groups, then functional versatility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array's functionality is made dynamic through the drive control unit, which can switch between different drive modes. In the first drive mode, first unit pixels operate to produce image signals. In the second drive mode, the system switches to detect variations in second unit pixels for generating unique device values. This dynamic reconfiguration allows versatile functionality while managing control complexity through centralized mode management.
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 the generation of a unique value that is difficult to copy, enhancing device identification and encryption security by utilizing physical characteristics inherent to the device.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array unit configured with a plurality of photodiodes arranged in a two-dimensional matrix
Data Source
AI summary
To generate a value unique to a device in a more preferable mode.A solid-state image sensor includes a plurality of unit pixels disposed in a two-dimensional array, and a drive control unit that controls a first drive to output signals from the unit pixels included in a first unit pixel group of the plurality of unit pixels as an image signal, and a second drive to detect variations in respective signals from two or more of the unit pixels included in a second unit pixel group of the plurality of unit pixels, in which the first unit pixel group and the second unit pixel group have different structures from each other.