Imaging Device Pixel Circuit for High Frame Rate Continuous Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices face limitations in achieving high frame rates in continuous imaging due to inefficiencies in charge reset and readout processes.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a pixel array configuration with first and second pixels in the same column, each equipped with photoelectric converters and transistors, allowing for independent charge resetting and readout, utilizing current sources and reference voltage sources to facilitate high frame rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pixels in the same column share common transistors and current sources to reduce device complexity, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the frame rate in continuous imaging cannot be increased due to sequential charge reset and readout requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels and second pixels located in the same column, where each pixel type has dedicated circuit components (first transistors for first pixels, second transistors for second pixels, first current sources for first pixels, second current sources for second pixels). This segmentation enables parallel charge reset and readout operations for different pixel groups, thereby increasing the frame rate in continuous imaging without requiring excessive sharing of critical path components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the pixel operation by implementing alternating readout schemes between first pixels and second pixels. While first pixels are being read out, second pixels perform charge reset, and vice versa. This time-division multiplexing approach allows the system to achieve higher frame rates by utilizing parallel operations across different pixel groups without increasing the spatial complexity of individual pixel circuits.
2Measurement precision
If pixels use shared signal lines and current sources to reduce device complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reset noise increases and signal voltage accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The signal readout circuitry is segmented into first signal lines connected to first pixels and second signal lines connected to second pixels. This segmentation allows independent signal readout paths that reduce crosstalk and reset noise interference between simultaneously operating pixel groups. Each pixel group has dedicated current sources that eliminate noise coupling, thereby improving signal voltage accuracy while maintaining reasonable device complexity through systematic organization.
3Productivity
If pixels in the same column share common transistors and current sources, then device complexity is reduced, but charge reset efficiency decreases and frame rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transistor configuration is segmented such that first pixels have first transistors with gates connected to first signal lines, while second pixels have second transistors with gates connected to second signal lines. This segmentation enables independent control and parallel operation of charge reset functions across different pixel groups, significantly improving charge reset efficiency and enabling higher frame rates in continuous imaging modes.
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 enables high image quality and high frame rates in continuous imaging by ensuring efficient charge management and reduced reset noise, improving the accuracy of signal voltage output.
Implementation Method 1
each first and second pixel including a photoelectric converter that converts incident light to an electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging device, each of first and second pixels in a same column includes a photoelectric converter, a first transistor, and a second transistor wherein a source (or a drain) of the first transistor is connected to the photoelectric converter, a gate of the second transistor is connected to the photoelectric converter, and a source (or a drain) of the second transistor is connected to the drain (or the source) of the first transistor. A first current source is configured to be electrically connected to the source (or the drain) of the second transistor of the first pixel, a second current source is configured to be electrically connected to the source (or the drain) of the second transistor of the second pixel, and a signal line is configured to be electrically connected to the drain (or the source) of the second transistor of the first pixel and to the drain (or the source) of the second transistor of the second pixel.