Imaging Pixel Subarray Shared Pulse Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging pixel arrays require external control and complex timing synchronization for image and pulse detection, which increases size and complexity, necessitating a solution to reduce these aspects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shared pulse detection circuitry within the imaging pixel array, utilizing a high-pass filter, driver devices, and a single current source to amplify and process pulse signals in parallel, allowing for simultaneous detection and reduced timing control needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional imaging pixel arrays use separate pulse detection pixels with external control, then pulse detection function is achieved, but device size and timing control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges imaging pixel and pulse detection pixel functions into a single integrated pixel structure. The photodetector serves dual purposes: detecting imaging light signals and detecting laser pulse signals. The isolation circuit and pulse detection circuit are integrated within each pixel, eliminating the need for separate pulse detection pixels and external timing control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging pixel is designed with multi-functionality to perform both imaging detection and pulse detection. The photodetector can respond to both imaging light and laser pulses, and the isolation circuit can filter and separate these different signal types, allowing a single pixel to serve multiple detection purposes.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional imaging pixel arrays use separate pulse detection pixels, then pulse detection is achieved, but the size of the focal plane array increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines imaging pixel and pulse detection pixel into a single integrated structure. Each imaging pixel includes a photodetector that can detect both imaging light and laser pulses, along with an isolation circuit and pulse detection circuit integrated within the same pixel unit, thereby reducing the overall array size.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging pixel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect imaging light signals for normal imaging operations and simultaneously detect laser pulse signals for ranging or other pulse-based applications, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pulse detection pixels.
3Device complexity
If conventional methods use external control circuits for synchronization, then timing synchronization is achieved, but device complexity and external control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging pixel performs self-synchronization by internally generating and using the same clock signal for both imaging signal readout and pulse detection timing. The isolation circuit and pulse detection circuit are synchronized through the shared clock signal, eliminating the need for external timing control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the timing control functions into the pixel itself by using a shared clock signal that synchronizes both imaging operations and pulse detection operations within each pixel, eliminating external timing control requirements.
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 enables efficient and synchronized processing of incident light and pulse signals, reducing the complexity of timing control and array size by sharing pulse detection circuitry among imaging pixels, thereby enhancing the detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each imaging pixel includes a respective photodetector. The photodetector outputs signals in response to incident light
Implementation Method 2
The photodetector outputs signals in response to incident light and input laser pulses
Implementation Method 3
Each isolation circuit outputs filtered output pulse signals in response to receiving the signals from the associated imaging pixel
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging and pulse detection (IPD) pixel array includes a plurality of imaging pixels (102) arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. Each imaging pixel includes a respective photodetector (108) that outputs signals in response to incident light and input laser pulses. The signals include imaging signals that correspond to the incident light and pulse signals that correspond to the input laser pulses. The IPD array further includes an isolation circuit (104) associated with each of the respective imaging pixels, each isolation circuit outputting filtered output pulse signals in response to receiving the signals from the associated imaging pixel, the filtered output pulse signals corresponding to the pulse signals. The IPD array further includes a single pulse detection circuit (106) that toggles between a charged and uncharged state corresponding to a pulse being received from at least one of the isolation circuits.