Image Sensor Shared Pixel Readout Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors in endoscopes face challenges in efficiently transferring imaging signals from multiple pixels to a single vertical signal line, leading to limitations in size reduction and speed of readout.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a configuration where multiple adjacent pixels share a single vertical signal line, with a constant current source and output units that simultaneously drive and output imaging signals from shared pixels across different rows, reducing the time needed to read signals and enabling smaller and faster image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple adjacent pixels share a single vertical signal line, then the image sensor size is reduced, but the readout speed of imaging signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple groups where each group shares a common vertical signal line. By organizing pixels in this segmented manner and implementing corresponding constant current sources for each group, the system achieves compact integration while maintaining efficient signal readout through parallel processing of multiple pixel groups simultaneously.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple adjacent pixels share a single vertical signal line, then the image sensor size is reduced, but the time to read signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements constant current sources that are prepared in advance for each group of shared pixels. These constant current sources are configured to simultaneously drive the imaging signals from multiple pixels before the actual readout process, enabling parallel signal generation and reducing the overall time required to read signals from the pixel array.
3Device complexity
If multiple adjacent pixels share a single vertical signal line, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs constant current sources that continuously provide stable current to the shared vertical signal lines. This continuous operation ensures that imaging signals from multiple pixels can be readout efficiently without interruption. By maintaining continuous current supply and enabling simultaneous signal transfer from multiple pixel groups, the system achieves low power consumption while keeping device complexity reduced through the shared signal line architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes: pixels; first transfer lines configured to transfer imaging signals of shared pixels that are present in a plurality of different rows and share a single column transfer line for each predetermined number of pixels adjacent in a row direction and; a constant current source configured to transfer the imaging signals; output units configured to externally output the imaging signals; and a control unit configured to simultaneously and externally outputs, by simultaneously driving the plurality of shared pixels present in a same single column transfer line in the plurality of different rows, each of the plurality of imaging signals, which are output from the shared pixels and are present in the same column in the plurality of different rows, and externally output all of the imaging signals of the shared pixels present in the plurality of different rows same number of times as the predetermined number.