Imaging Element Asymmetric Pixel Design Suppresses Color Mixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The CAPD sensor in distance measurement systems experiences color mixture due to unintended signal charge collection, leading to reduced distance measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The imaging element is designed with a pixel array configuration where the distance between signal extraction sections of adjacent pixels is optimized to minimize color mixture, featuring a shorter distance between signal extraction sections of the same pixel compared to those of adjacent pixels, and the signal extraction sections are arranged to maintain consistent potential differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If signal extraction sections are arranged closer together to improve pixel density, then device integration is improved, but color mixture occurs due to unintended signal charge collection by adjacent pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric distance relationships: the distance from a first signal extraction section to a second signal extraction section within the same pixel is made shorter than the distance to signal extraction sections in adjacent pixels. This localized distance differentiation ensures that signal charges are preferentially collected by the intended suction electrode within the same pixel, while reducing the likelihood of unintended collection by adjacent pixel electrodes, thus suppressing color mixture while maintaining high pixel density
2Speed
If voltage is applied to application electrodes to generate electric field for charge collection, then signal charge detection speed is improved, but signal charge may be collected by unintended suction electrodes causing color mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through asymmetric spatial arrangement of signal extraction sections. By making the intra-pixel distance shorter than the inter-pixel distance, the electric field generated by application electrodes naturally concentrates signal charge collection within the same pixel. This spatial differentiation ensures that even when voltage is applied for fast detection, signal charges are preferentially directed to the intended suction electrode, suppressing color mixture while maintaining high detection speed
3Use of energy by moving object
If suction electrode is positioned to collect signal charge efficiently, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but adjacent pixels may also collect unintended signal charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by establishing asymmetric distance relationships in the signal extraction section arrangement. The shorter distance from the first signal extraction section to the second signal extraction section within the same pixel creates a preferential collection path for signal charges. This localized optimization ensures efficient photoelectric conversion while the longer inter-pixel distances prevent adjacent pixels from inadvertently collecting signal charges, thus eliminating color mixture without sacrificing conversion efficiency
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 configuration effectively suppresses color mixture, enhancing the resolution and accuracy of distance measurements in imaging elements used in distance measurement systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal extraction section including an application electrode connected to a first drive line for application of voltage, for generating an electric field by the application of the voltage
Implementation Method 2
a pixel array section including a plurality of pixels that photoelectrically converts incident light
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an imaging element and an imaging apparatus that can suppress color mixture. An imaging element includes a pixel array section including a plurality of pixels that photoelectrically converts incident light, the pixel including a first signal extraction section including an application electrode connected to a first drive line for application of voltage, and a suction electrode for detecting a signal carrier generated by the photoelectric conversion, and a second signal extraction section including an application electrode connected to a second drive line for application of voltage and a suction electrode, in which a distance from the first signal extraction section to the second signal extraction section shorter than a distance from the first signal extraction section of the predetermined pixel to the second signal extraction section of another pixel adjacent to the predetermined pixel. The present technology can be applied to an imaging apparatus.