Solid Imaging Device Row Selecting Wiring Disconnection Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state imaging devices suffer from defective lines due to disconnections in row selecting wiring, leading to charge overflow and reduced image resolution, especially in large-area photodetecting sections where disconnection probabilities are higher.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an overflow preventing section connected to the row selecting wiring, which outputs a signal to close reading-out switches in pixel portions farther from the disconnected point, preventing charge overflow and allowing for high-resolution image capture even with disconnected row selecting wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the photodetecting section is made large-area to increase pixel quantity, then the imaging capability is improved, but the probability of wiring disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by providing control signals from both ends of the row selecting wiring before disconnection occurs. The overflow preventing section at the opposite end from the row selecting section sends control signals to reading-out switches in case of disconnection, ensuring that pixel portions farther from the row selecting section can still discharge accumulated charges even when the wiring is disconnected. This preventive measure ensures continuous operation without interruption.
2Device complexity
If row selecting wiring is disconnected, then device complexity is reduced, but charge overflow occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies segmentation by dividing the control function into two independent sections: the row selecting section at one end and the overflow preventing section at the opposite end. This segmentation allows each section to independently control reading-out switches, ensuring that even if wiring between them is disconnected, the overflow preventing section can still function to discharge charges and prevent image quality deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter by introducing dual-end control signals instead of single-end control. The overflow preventing section sends control signals to complement the row selecting section's signals, changing the system from a single control source to a dual control source. This parameter change ensures that pixel portions can be controlled even when wiring is disconnected, maintaining image quality.
3Reliability
If reading-out switches are not closed in pixel portions farther from the disconnected point, then charge accumulation is prevented, but charge overflow to neighboring pixels occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies feedback by having the overflow preventing section monitor and respond to the charging state of pixel portions. When charges accumulate in pixel portions farther from the row selecting section, the overflow preventing section sends control signals to close reading-out switches, discharging the accumulated charges. This feedback mechanism prevents charge overflow to neighboring pixels while maintaining reliable charge control.
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
The solution effectively prevents charge overflow and enables high-resolution image capture without the need for complex data interpolation, maintaining image quality even when row selecting wiring is disconnected.
Implementation Method 1
pixel portions including photodiodes for generating charges of amounts according to incident light intensities
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device, etc. having a structure for capturing a high-resolution image even when any row selecting wiring is disconnected. The solid-state imaging device (1) comprises a photodetecting section (10), a signal reading-out section (20), a row selecting section (30), a column selecting section (40), an overflow preventing section (50), and a controlling section (60). The photodetecting section (10) has M×N pixel portions P1,1 to PM,N two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns, and each of the pixel portions P1,1 to PM,N includes a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a reading-out switch connected to the photodiode. Each of the N pixel portions Pm,1 to Pm,N belonging to an m-th row is connected to the row selecting section (30) and the overflow preventing section (50) by an m-th row selecting wiring LV,m.