Integrated Imaging and Pulse Detection Pixel Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging and pulse detection systems require distinct circuits for imaging and pulse detection, leading to larger pixel sizes and increased weight due to dual chip configurations, which limits interoperability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated circuit chip is used for both imaging and pulse detection, sharing a common circuit architecture that includes a pulse detection circuit and an imaging circuit, with a pulse processing circuit connected to both, allowing for redundant portion sharing and efficient signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct imaging circuits and pulse detection circuits with different architectures are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the pixel size increases and weight increases due to dual chip configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines distinct imaging circuits and pulse detection circuits with different architectures into a single integrated pixel circuit. The circuit shares common components including a photodetector, readout circuitry, and signal processing elements between the imaging function and pulse detection function, thereby reducing pixel size and weight while maintaining independent optimization of both functions through shared architecture design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal pixel circuit that performs both imaging and pulse detection functions using shared circuit elements. The same photodetector, amplifier, and readout circuitry serve dual purposes: capturing continuous imaging data and detecting laser pulses, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and reducing overall pixel complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If distinct imaging circuits and pulse detection circuits are used, then each function can operate independently, but the pixel size increases due to dual chip configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges imaging and pulse detection circuits into a single integrated pixel, sharing common photodetector elements, readout circuitry, and signal processing components. This consolidation reduces the total pixel area while maintaining the independence of both functions through shared architecture that allows simultaneous operation of imaging and pulse detection modes
3Reliability
If dual chip configuration is used for imaging and pulse detection, then each function has dedicated circuitry, but the weight of the pixel array increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates imaging and pulse detection circuits onto a single chip, sharing common photodetector arrays, readout circuitry, and signal processing elements. This single-chip integration eliminates the weight penalty of dual chip configurations while maintaining dedicated functional paths through shared architecture design that supports both imaging and pulse detection operations simultaneously
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 solution enables a compact and efficient imaging and pulse detection pixel array, reducing pixel size and weight while maintaining effective image and pulse detection capabilities, with improved interoperability between imaging and pulse detection functions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection device that detects a light input and passes the light input through at least one additional shared circuit element
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging and pulse detection pixel and an array (10, 400) of imaging and pulse detection pixels are provided. Each imaging and pulse detection pixel includes an optical detection device (121) connected directly to a first (131) and second transistor (122) only, a pulse detection circuit (20) that operates on the signal read out from the optical detection device (121) and outputs a pulse detection output signal suitable for detection of pulses, and an imaging circuit (30) that operates on a signal read out from the optical detection device and outputs an image output signal suitable for generation of an image. A terminal (197) of the optical detection device (121) is directly connected to only a gate terminal (199) of the first transistor (131) and a non-gate terminal (198) of the second transistor (122).