Camera Pixel Array Chessboard Layout Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pixel arrays for light propagation time cameras suffer from interference and reduced efficiency due to crosstalk during pixel reading, particularly caused by the arrangement of photoelectric and non-photosensitive regions and routing paths.
Innovation Solution
The pixel array is arranged in a chessboard structure where only half of the fields contain photoelectric regions, with the other fields comprising non-photosensitive regions that house readout electronics, resulting in a diagonal pixel spacing that minimizes crosstalk and allows for efficient routing path arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If routing paths are arranged in a grid-like manner dividing the pixel array into fields, then signal routing is simplified, but crosstalk between adjacent pixels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging photoelectric regions and non-photosensitive regions in a non-uniform, staggered pattern rather than a regular grid. This asymmetric arrangement increases the distance between adjacent photoelectric regions, thereby reducing crosstalk while maintaining efficient routing paths that divide the array into fields for simplified signal reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pixel array into distinct fields using routing paths arranged in a grid-like manner. This segmentation allows for organized signal routing and reading while the staggered arrangement of photoelectric regions within these fields minimizes interference between segments.
2Quantity of substance
If photoelectric regions are arranged in a dense grid pattern, then pixel density is increased, but crosstalk during reading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric, staggered arrangement of photoelectric regions within the pixel array. This allows for high pixel density while maintaining increased spacing between adjacent photoelectric regions, thereby reducing crosstalk during the reading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a staggered, offset arrangement in the vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal density. This dimensional variation allows pixels to be densely packed overall while ensuring that adjacent rows are offset, increasing the effective distance between neighboring photoelectric regions and reducing crosstalk.
3Device complexity
If readout electronics are integrated into non-photosensitive regions, then device complexity is reduced, but area available for photoelectric conversion is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designating specific non-photosensitive regions for housing readout electronics while maintaining large photoelectric regions in other areas. The staggered arrangement ensures that non-photosensitive regions are strategically positioned to minimize impact on overall photoelectric conversion area while providing adequate space for electronics integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pixel structure into distinct photoelectric regions and non-photosensitive regions with dedicated functions. This segmentation allows readout electronics to be integrated into specific non-photosensitive areas without compromising the photoelectric conversion capability of the dedicated photoelectric regions.
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 reduces crosstalk, enhances fill factor, and optimizes the use of micro lenses, leading to improved imaging characteristics and reduced pixel coupling with readout circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The light propagation time camera of this camera system is based on the photomixing element principle
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a pixel array for a camera, in particular for a light propagation time camera, having: a plurality of pixel elements arranged in a matrix arrangement, wherein each individual pixel element has a photoelectric region and at least one other region which is non-sensitive to light; and a plurality of routing paths which are arranged in a grid-like manner and which divide the pixel array into fields. A group of first fields and a group of second fields are created, in which each of the first fields is provided by a photoelectric region of one of the pixel elements and each of the second fields is provided by the other regions, wherein the first fields and the second fields are arranged in an alternating manner similar to a chessboard. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding camera, in particular a light propagation time camera for a light propagation time camera system, and to a corresponding light propagation time camera system.