Light Detection Device with Row Column Switches for Multi-Spot Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light detection devices struggle to accurately detect the two-dimensional position of multiple light spots due to signal data summation in row and column directions, leading to difficulties in distinguishing individual spot positions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating row and column switches to selectively connect and disconnect photosensitive portions within the light detection device, allowing for the isolation of signal data from each spot, and using a switch control unit to optimize signal reading through multiple output ports and binning reading units for improved accuracy and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If signal data from multiple light spots is summed and projected in row and column directions, then detection speed is improved, but measurement precision of individual spot positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidposition identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor light receiving unit into multiple independent regions using row switches and column switches. Each region can independently detect light spots, preventing signal summation between different spots. This segmentation allows the system to maintain fast detection speed while accurately identifying individual spot positions by assigning dedicated photoelectric conversion units to each spot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically controllable row switches and column switches that can change their connection states based on the number and positions of incident light spots. When multiple spots are detected, the switches dynamically reconfigure to isolate signals from different spots, enabling the system to adapt between fast summed detection and precise individual spot identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If row switches and column switches are added to isolate signal data, then measurement precision of multiple spot positions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition identification accuracyVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The row switches and column switches serve multiple functions: they act as connection elements for normal signal reading, isolation elements for separating multiple light spot signals, and selection elements for choosing which photoelectric conversion units are active. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise multi-spot position identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The row switches and column switches act as intermediary elements between the photoelectric conversion units and the signal reading circuits. These intermediaries enable flexible routing and isolation of signals without requiring direct complex wiring between each photoelectric conversion unit and the reading circuits, thus managing device complexity while achieving signal isolation for precise position identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If all photoelectric conversion units are connected in parallel, then detection speed is maintained, but signal data from multiple spots cannot be distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidsignal data distinguishability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the parallel-connected photoelectric conversion units into isolated groups using row switches and column switches. Each segment can independently process signals from specific light spots, maintaining the fast parallel detection capability while preventing signal mixing. This segmentation preserves detection speed by keeping multiple units operating in parallel while ensuring signal data distinguishability through electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The row switches and column switches are configured in advance to establish isolated connection paths for different photoelectric conversion units before signals are read. This preliminary configuration ensures that when multiple light spots are detected, their signals remain separated throughout the reading process, preventing information loss while maintaining the speed benefits of parallel processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables accurate detection of multiple light spot positions while maintaining detection speed by preventing signal summation and optimizing signal reading, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of light position identification.

Implementation Method 1

Each pixel has a pair of photosensitive portions... One of each of the pairs of photosensitive portions for every row is connected to each other through a first circuit. The other of each of the pairs of photosensitive portions for every column is connected to each other through a second circuit.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11405573B2Light detection device and light detection method
Publication Date: 2022.08.02 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • US11405573B2 patent drawing
  • US11405573B2 patent drawing
  • US11405573B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light detection device detects an incident position of light. The plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally in a matrix and individually have a first photosensitive portion and a second photosensitive portion. The first circuit connects a plurality of first photosensitive portions to each other for every row. The second circuit connects a plurality of second photosensitive portions to each other for every column. The first reading unit reads signal data through the first circuit. The second reading unit reads signal data through the second circuit. The first circuit includes row switches arranged to switch electrical connection and disconnection between first photosensitive portions adjacent to each other in the same row.