Multi-Photodiode Pixel Readout for Faster Autofocus Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in improving autofocusing functions, read-out time, power consumption, and noise characteristics, particularly due to the need to read pixel voltages from multiple photodiodes in each pixel, which increases operation time and power usage and degrades image quality.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design includes a pixel array with multiple photodiodes grouped together, allowing for simultaneous reading of pixel voltages from these groups, reducing the number of read-out operations and thereby decreasing read-out time and power consumption while improving noise characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel voltages are read from multiple photodiodes individually, then measurement precision is improved, but read-out time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photodiodes into a single pixel unit, allowing simultaneous reading of pixel voltages from multiple photodiodes through shared readout circuitry. This merging approach enables parallel measurement of multiple photodiode voltages, improving read-out speed while maintaining measurement precision through the shared readout path.
2Measurement precision
If pixel voltages are read from multiple photodiodes individually, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple photodiodes into single pixels with shared readout circuitry, reducing the total number of independent readout operations. This sharing of readout resources decreases power consumption while maintaining the ability to measure multiple photodiode voltages with high precision through the shared measurement path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photodiodes are used per pixel, then autofocusing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photodiodes into single pixel units with shared readout circuitry, enabling autofocusing capabilities through multi-photodiode integration while reducing overall device complexity. The shared readout path and combined pixel structure simplify the system architecture compared to having separate readout circuits for each photodiode, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 enhances the autofocusing capability, reduces read-out time and power consumption, and minimizes noise, leading to improved image sensor performance by bundling photodiodes into groups for simultaneous voltage reading.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of pixels may include a photodiode that generates charges in response to external light
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a first direction and a second direction. Each pixel of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of photodiodes disposed adjacent to one another in at least one of the first direction and the second direction. The image sensor further includes a control logic configured to generate image data by obtaining pixel signals from the plurality of pixels, and read a pixel voltage corresponding to charges generated by two or more of the plurality of photodiodes included in one of the plurality of pixels, at substantially the same time.