Photoelectric Conversion Element Segmented Pixel Arrays for IR Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RGB+IR simultaneous reading technologies face challenges in maintaining signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio due to neglect of charge accumulation in IR pixels, leading to difficulties in reading both RGB and IR images effectively.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion element with separate pixel arrays for visible and invisible light, where each IR pixel circuit is positioned adjacent to the IR pixel to minimize signal attenuation and noise interference, allowing for simultaneous reading of visible and invisible images without compromising S/N.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional RGB+IR simultaneous reading is implemented, then both RGB and IR images can be read at the same time, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases due to charge accumulation in IR pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into distinct first pixel regions for visible light and second pixel regions for infrared light, with separate pixel circuits for each region. This segmentation prevents charge accumulation interference between different wavelength ranges while enabling simultaneous reading of both RGB and IR images.
Solution Approach 2:
A wavelength selective filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the light-receiving sections and the pixels. This filter selectively transmits visible light to first pixels and infrared light to second pixels, preventing charge accumulation in IR pixels from degrading the S/N ratio while maintaining simultaneous reading capability.
2Productivity
If IR pixels are added to ordinary RGB pixels in a 4-line image sensor, then RGB and IR images can be read simultaneously without reducing productivity, but noise resistance is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is segmented into first pixel arrays for visible light and second pixel arrays for infrared light, with dedicated pixel circuits for each segment. This segmentation ensures that infrared pixels do not suffer from charge accumulation issues that would degrade noise resistance, while maintaining high reading efficiency through simultaneous multi-region capture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are given different functional qualities: first pixels are optimized for visible light with corresponding pixel circuits, while second pixels are optimized for infrared light with dedicated pixel circuits. This local differentiation improves noise resistance in the infrared region while preserving overall reading efficiency.
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 simultaneous reading of visible and invisible images while preventing a decrease in S/N, particularly in the low-sensitive infrared region, thereby improving image quality and authenticity verification.
Implementation Method 1
a first pixel configured to receive at least light having a first wavelength inside a visible spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a second pixel configured to receive at least light having a second wavelength outside the visible spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion element includes a first pixel array including first light-receiving sections arranged in a direction and a second pixel array including second light-receiving sections arranged in the direction. Each of the first light-receiving sections includes a first pixel configured to receive at least light having a first wavelength inside a visible spectrum and a first pixel circuit configured to transmit a signal from the first pixel to a subsequent stage. Each of the second light-receiving sections includes a second pixel configured to receive at least light having a second wavelength outside the visible spectrum and a second pixel circuit configured to transmit a signal from the second pixel to the subsequent stage. The second pixel circuit is provided in a vicinity of the second pixel.