Solid-State Imaging Device Wiring Reduction via Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solid-state image pickup devices for oral radiography have a high number of wirings for input and output signals, leading to low reliability when used in the oral cavity.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image pickup device with a two-dimensionally arranged imaging photodetecting section and a triggering photodetecting section, where pixel data and triggering data are outputted to a common signal line, reducing the number of wirings needed and enhancing reliability by time-sharing output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate output lines are used for pixel data and triggering data, then data transmission is simple and direct, but the number of wirings increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the output of pixel data and triggering data onto a single common output signal line. The output section multiplexes these two data streams, allowing them to share the same transmission path. This merging reduces the number of wirings needed while maintaining the ability to transmit both types of data reliably, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where the output section alternates between outputting pixel data and triggering data in periodic time slots. This periodic action allows both data types to share the common output line without interference, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining data integrity and reliability through structured temporal separation.
2Reliability
If multiple separate wirings are used for signal input and output, then signal transmission is direct and simple, but the device has low reliability for oral cavity use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal transmission paths into a single common output signal line by implementing time-division multiplexing. This reduces the total number of wirings required for connecting the solid-state image pickup device to external apparatus, thereby improving reliability for oral cavity applications where fewer connections reduce potential failure points.
3Device complexity
If a common output signal line is used for pixel data and triggering data, then the number of wirings is reduced and reliability is improved, but data output requires time-sharing coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where the output section systematically alternates between transmitting pixel data and triggering data in predetermined time slots. This periodic action provides automatic coordination without complex control logic, reducing wiring complexity while managing the time-sharing requirement through regular, predictable timing patterns.
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 device achieves high reliability with a reduced number of wirings, allowing accurate detection and imaging of light incidence, suitable for use in the oral cavity.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetecting section for which a plurality of photodiodes that each generate electric charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity are arranged two dimensionally
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup device 1 includes an imaging photodetecting section 10, a triggering photodetecting section 20, a row selecting section 30, a column selecting section 40, a voltage holding section 50, an output section 60, and a controlling section 70. The imaging photodetecting section 10 is for taking an image of incident light, and includes pixel sections P1,1 to PM,N arrayed two dimensionally in M rows and N columns. The triggering photodetecting section 20 is for detecting an incidence of light, and includes a triggering photodiode that generates electric charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity. The output section 60 outputs pixel data of a value according to the amount of electric charge generated by a photodiode of any pixel section Pm,n of the pixel sections P1,1 to PM,N included in the imaging photodetecting section 10 and triggering data of a value according to the amount of electric charge generated by the triggering photodiode included in the triggering photodetecting section 20 to a common output signal line Lout.