Pixel Sensor Multi-Photodiode Layout for 2D-3D Resolution
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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 complexities in merging data from non-collocated pixel cells capturing different light components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a pixel cell array with multiple photodiodes, charge sensing units, and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) controlled by a controller to perform quantization operations across various intensity ranges, allowing for collocated imaging of different light components within a global exposure period, with each photodiode converting incident light to charge and transferring it to charge sensing units for voltage conversion and digital representation.
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 patent implements multi-functionality by enabling each pixel cell to perform both 2D imaging and 3D sensing functions through a single integrated structure. The pixel cell includes multiple photodiodes (first photodiode for 2D imaging, second photodiode for 3D sensing) that can be selectively activated based on the desired sensing mode, allowing the same physical pixel to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated pixel arrays for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges 2D and 3D sensing functions into a single collocated pixel cell structure. The first and second photodiodes are positioned at the same spatial location (collocated), allowing simultaneous or selective operation for different sensing modes. This merging eliminates the need for separate pixel arrays, thereby maintaining maximum spatial resolution while reducing overall system power consumption.
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 patent implements multi-functionality by enabling each pixel cell to perform both 2D imaging and 3D sensing functions through a single integrated structure. The pixel cell includes multiple photodiodes (first photodiode for 2D imaging, second photodiode for 3D sensing) that can be selectively activated based on the desired sensing mode, allowing the same physical pixel to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated pixel arrays for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges 2D and 3D sensing functions into a single collocated pixel cell structure. The first and second photodiodes are positioned at the same spatial location (collocated), allowing simultaneous or selective operation for different sensing modes. This merging eliminates the need for separate pixel arrays, thereby maintaining maximum spatial resolution while reducing overall system power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-collocated pixel cells are used for different light components, then specialized sensing is achieved, but data merging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 2D and 3D sensing functions into a single collocated pixel cell structure. The first and second photodiodes are positioned at the same spatial location (collocated), allowing simultaneous or selective operation for different sensing modes. This merging eliminates the need for separate pixel arrays, thereby maintaining maximum spatial resolution while reducing overall system power consumption.
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 all pixel cells to contribute to image generation, facilitating the correspondence between 2D and 3D images and enhancing the dynamic range of light intensity measurement.
Implementation Method 1
A pixel sensor includes 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: a plurality of photodiodes, one or more charge sensing units, one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and a controller. The controller is configured to: enable the each photodiode to generate charge in response to a different component of the incident light; transfer the charge from the plurality of photodiodes to the one or more charge sensing units to convert to voltages; receive a selection of one or more quantization processes of a plurality of quantization processes corresponding to a plurality of intensity ranges; based on the selection, control the one or more ADCs to perform the selected one or more quantization processes to quantize 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 digital values.