Imaging Pixel Asymmetric Conductive Member Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face inefficiencies in transferring electric carriers from photoelectric conversion units, particularly during focus detection and imaging processes, which affects signal readout and overall performance.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus incorporates a pixel configuration with a first and second photoelectric conversion unit, a floating diffusion portion, and transfer transistors, where the first conductive member is closer to the floating diffusion portion than the second, allowing for improved transfer efficiency by controlling the transfer transistors to enhance capacitive coupling and potential changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transfer transistors are used to transfer electric carriers from photoelectric conversion units to floating diffusion portion, then signal readout is enabled, but transfer efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of conductive member positioning, specifically placing the first conductive member closer to the floating diffusion portion than the second conductive member. This positional parameter change enhances capacitive coupling during transfer transistor operation, improving electric carrier transfer efficiency while maintaining signal readout quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitive coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the conductive members and the floating diffusion portion. This intermediary effect allows for more efficient electric carrier transfer by utilizing electrical field coupling, thereby improving transfer efficiency without compromising signal integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photoelectric conversion units are used for focus detection and imaging, then functional versatility is improved, but transfer efficiency of electric carriers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric positioning of conductive members relative to the floating diffusion portion. The first conductive member is positioned closer than the second, creating localized differences in capacitive coupling strength. This local differentiation enables optimized transfer efficiency for each photoelectric conversion unit while maintaining the versatility of multiple functions
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 enhances the transfer efficiency of electric carriers, enabling faster and more precise signal readout, improving focus detection and imaging capabilities while reducing noise and increasing the maximum amount of carriers transferred.
Implementation Method 1
the first conductive member is closer to the floating diffusion portion than the second conductive member... controlling the transfer transistors to enhance capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 2
a first photoelectric conversion unit, a second photoelectric conversion unit... electric carriers generated at the first photoelectric conversion unit
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is an imaging apparatus including multiple pixels. The pixels include first and second photoelectric conversion units, a floating diffusion portion, and first and second transfer transistors configured to transfer electric carriers generated at the respective first and second photoelectric conversion units to the floating diffusion portion. The imaging apparatus includes a first conductive member electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transfer transistor, a second conductive member electrically connected to the gate electrode of the second transfer transistor, and a control unit. The distance of closest proximity between the first conductive member and the floating diffusion portion is shorter than distance of closest proximity between the second conductive member and the floating diffusion portion.