Multi-Photodiode Pixel Sensor for Collocated 2D and 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution and efficient light intensity measurement across different wavelength ranges due to the need for separate pixel cells for 2D and 3D sensing, leading to reduced spatial resolution and increased power consumption, as well as complications in merging images from non-collocated pixel cells.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor apparatus with a plurality of photodiodes, charge sensing units, and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is configured to convert incident light into charge, perform quantization operations for different intensity ranges, and generate pixel values, allowing for collocated imaging of different light components within a global exposure period using a stack structure and shared ADCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate pixel cells are used for 2D and 3D sensing, then specialized sensing functions are achieved, but spatial resolution is reduced and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel cell is designed to perform multiple sensing functions (2D imaging and 3D sensing) using the same photodiode array. By configuring photodiodes to sense different wavelength ranges (visible light for 2D, infrared for 3D) and using wavelength-selective filters, a single pixel cell structure achieves both specialized sensing functions without reducing spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength discrimination as an additional dimension for separating 2D and 3D sensing functions. Instead of using separate spatial locations for different sensing types, the system uses spectral dimension (different wavelength ranges) to enable multi-functionality within the same spatial footprint, thereby maintaining high spatial resolution
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate pixel cells are used for 2D and 3D sensing, then specialized sensing functions are achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel cell is designed to perform multiple sensing functions (2D imaging and 3D sensing) using the same photodiode array. By configuring photodiodes to sense different wavelength ranges (visible light for 2D, infrared for 3D) and using wavelength-selective filters, a single pixel cell structure achieves both specialized sensing functions without reducing spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines 2D and 3D sensing functions into a single integrated pixel cell structure. The same photodiode array serves dual purposes by detecting different wavelength ranges, eliminating the need for separate pixel cell arrays and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining specialized sensing capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-collocated pixel cells are used for different wavelength ranges, then specialized sensing is achieved, but image merging becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wavelength discrimination as an additional dimension for separating 2D and 3D sensing functions. Instead of using separate spatial locations for different sensing types, the system uses spectral dimension (different wavelength ranges) to enable multi-functionality within the same spatial footprint, thereby maintaining high spatial resolution
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 improved spatial resolution and reduced power consumption by allowing the same set of pixel cells to perform both 2D and 3D imaging, facilitating the correspondence between images and enhancing the dynamic range of light intensity measurement.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of photodiodes, each photodiode being configured to convert a component of incident light of a wavelength range to charge
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, an apparatus comprises: multiple distinct sets of photodiodes, wherein each set of photodiodes includes one or more photodiodes, one or more charge sensing units, and a controller. The controller is configured to: transfer charge generated by the one or more photodiodes in response to a different component of incident light to the one or more charge sensing units in order to convert the charge to voltages; perform one or more quantization processes of a plurality of quantization processes corresponding to a plurality of intensity ranges, wherein the one or more quantization processes quantizes the voltages from the one or more charge sensing units to digital values representing components of a pixel of different wavelength ranges; and generate a pixel value based on the at least some of the digital values.