Image Sensor Unit Pixel for Multi-Function Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile devices, the inclusion of multiple sensors increases power consumption and size due to the need for separate components for image sensing, motion detection, and light intensity measurement.
Innovation Solution
A unit pixel in an image sensor is designed with a photoelectric conversion unit, mode control unit, first signal generation unit, and second signal generation unit, allowing for dual operation modes to generate various sensing outputs, including analog signals, sensing currents, and on/off signals, which are then processed for motion detection and light intensity measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are included in a mobile device to provide various sensing functions, then sensing capability and functionality are improved, but power consumption and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unit pixel is designed to perform multiple sensing functions including image sensing, motion detection, and light intensity measurement through different operation modes. The same photoelectric conversion unit and signal generation units are used across all sensing functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines image sensor, motion sensor, and light intensity sensor functions into a single integrated unit pixel structure. The photoelectric conversion unit, mode control unit, and signal generation units work together to provide all sensing capabilities that would traditionally require separate physical sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are included in a mobile device to provide various sensing functions, then sensing capability and functionality are improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unit pixel is designed to perform multiple sensing functions including image sensing, motion detection, and light intensity measurement through different operation modes. The same photoelectric conversion unit and signal generation units are used across all sensing functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines image sensor, motion sensor, and light intensity sensor functions into a single integrated unit pixel structure. The photoelectric conversion unit, mode control unit, and signal generation units work together to provide all sensing capabilities that would traditionally require separate physical sensors.
3Area of stationary object
If a unit pixel integrates multiple sensing functions through different operation modes, then device size and power consumption are reduced, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unit pixel employs a mode control unit that dynamically switches between different operation modes (first operation mode for image sensing, second operation mode for motion and light intensity sensing). This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single pixel to serve multiple functions without requiring permanent separate circuitry for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as switching between operation modes, adjusting signal generation units to produce different output types (analog signals, sensing currents, on/off signals), and modifying the role of the photoelectric conversion unit to achieve different sensing functions from the same hardware.
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 enables efficient power use and compact size by integrating multiple sensing functions into a single unit pixel, effectively reducing the need for separate sensors while maintaining accurate sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion unit that generates photo-charges in response to incident light and provides the photo-charges to a first node
Data Source
AI summary
A unit pixel of an image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion unit, a mode control unit, a first signal generation unit and a second signal generation unit. The photoelectric conversion unit generates photo-charges in response to incident light and provides the photo-charges to a first node. The mode control unit prevents the photo-charges from being discharged from the first node in a first operation mode, and generates a sensing current by discharging the photo-charges and generates a sensing voltage proportional to the sensing current in a second operation mode. The first signal generation unit generates an analog signal based on an amount of the photo-charges accumulated in the first node in the first operation mode. The second signal generation unit generates an on signal and an off signal based on a change of the sensing voltage in the second operation mode. The unit pixel provides various sensing outputs effectively.