Imaging Device Pixel Array Addition Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing technologies face high digital processing loads due to the need for extensive operations on large numbers of pixels in image recognition and deep learning applications, particularly in convolutional neural networks, which limits processing speed and data rate.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a pixel array that includes pixels with different sensitivities, where signals from these pixels are added together using an addition circuit, effectively performing a sum-of-products operation within the image sensor, reducing the digital processing load by simplifying the pixel addition process through vertical signal lines and interconnection lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If signals from multiple pixels are added together using conventional methods, then processing speed increases, but digital processing load remains high due to extensive operations on large numbers of pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs pixel addition operations in advance within the image sensor chip using addition circuits before data leaves the sensor. By pre-computing the sum of pixel signals at the source, the system reduces the volume of data requiring subsequent digital processing, thereby decreasing digital processing load while maintaining high processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and performs addition operations directly at the pixel level within the sensor chip, separating the addition function from subsequent digital processing stages. This extraction of the addition operation to the sensor level reduces the computational burden on external digital processing systems.
2Measurement precision
If convolution processes are performed externally on image data, then filtering accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases due to extensive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs convolution and filtering operations in advance within the image sensor chip using addition circuits that implement filter kernels directly on pixel signals. By pre-computing filtered values at the sensor level before data transmission, the system achieves accurate filtering results while significantly reducing processing time in subsequent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves convolution operations from the external digital processing domain to the internal sensor chip domain, effectively changing the spatial dimension where filtering occurs. This dimensional shift enables parallel processing of multiple pixels simultaneously within the sensor architecture, reducing overall processing time while maintaining filtering accuracy.
3Reliability
If all pixels perform exposure simultaneously (global shutter), then image quality improves for moving objects, but device complexity increases due to additional circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the global shutter function with the existing pixel array architecture by implementing addition circuits that operate on simultaneously exposed pixels. By combining the simultaneous exposure capability with in-pixel addition operations, the system achieves global shutter image quality without proportionally increasing circuit complexity, as the addition circuits share infrastructure with the pixel readout system.
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 approach significantly reduces the digital processing load in image processing and filtering operations, enhancing processing speed and efficiency by performing convolution processes directly in the image sensor chip.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converter that converts light into charge
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: a pixel array including pixels including a first pixel and a second pixel, each of the pixels including a photoelectric converter that converts light into charge, the photoelectric converter including a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an addition circuit that adds together a signal generated in the first pixel and a signal generated in the second pixel.