Photoelectric Conversion Apparatus Row-Sharing Control Circuit

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photoelectric conversion apparatuses with multiple photoelectric conversion units face increased size due to the need for a corresponding number of switch elements and current sources, leading to inefficient power consumption and larger apparatus dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric conversion apparatus is designed with a 2D array of photoelectric conversion units, where each unit includes a photoelectric conversion element and transistors, and a control unit that shares connection transistors and reference current sources across rows, allowing for efficient current control and reduced element count, thereby minimizing size and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the same number of switch elements and current sources as photoelectric conversion units are disposed, then each photoelectric conversion unit can be independently controlled, but the size of the photoelectric conversion apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple photoelectric conversion units share a common current source through a switch element. The current source is not duplicated for each unit but is instead shared among multiple units, reducing the total number of current sources and thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining independent control capability through the switch element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single current source serves multiple photoelectric conversion units simultaneously. Instead of being dedicated to one unit, the current source is designed to supply current to multiple units, making it a universal component that performs the same function for different units, thus reducing the overall component count and apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the same number of switch elements and current sources as photoelectric conversion units are disposed, then each photoelectric conversion unit can be independently controlled, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple photoelectric conversion units share a common current source through a switch element. The current source is not duplicated for each unit but is instead shared among multiple units, reducing the total number of current sources and thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining independent control capability through the switch element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single current source serves multiple photoelectric conversion units simultaneously. Instead of being dedicated to one unit, the current source is designed to supply current to multiple units, making it a universal component that performs the same function for different units, thus reducing the overall component count and apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If control units are shared across rows, then apparatus size and power consumption are reduced, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidcontrol structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photoelectric conversion units are arranged in a matrix with row and column directions. Control is segmented by rows, with each control unit managing a specific row. This segmentation allows for systematic control while reducing the total number of control units needed, as each control unit handles multiple units within its row through the shared current source mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch element acts as an intermediary between the control unit and the shared current source. It receives control signals from the control unit and regulates the current from the shared current source to the appropriate photoelectric conversion units, simplifying the control structure by providing a clear control pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration significantly reduces power consumption and apparatus size by sharing load transistors and control units, enhancing response speed and reducing noise, while maintaining efficient current flow and signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric conversion element, a first amplification transistor configured to output a signal voltage based on a charge of the photoelectric conversion element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11201180B2Photoelectric conversion apparatus and photoelectric conversion system

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 CANON KK

AI summary

A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units. Each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units includes a photoelectric conversion element, a first amplification transistor, and a load transistor. Each of a first control unit and a second control unit includes a connection transistor including a gate and a drain connected to the gate, a reference current source and a first switch. The gate of the connection transistor of the first control unit is connected to each gate of the plurality of load transistors corresponding to the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements disposed in a first row. The gate of the connection transistor of the second control unit is connected to each gate of the plurality of load transistors corresponding to the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements disposed in a second row.