Stacked Pixel Signal Paths for Fast HDR Photoelectric Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photoelectric conversion devices face challenges in generating control signals quickly enough to respond to rapidly changing brightness or high-speed objects, which can lead to delays and a decrease in signal-to-noise ratio, especially when trying to balance speed and signal processing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion device is designed with a stacked configuration of two substrates, where the first substrate contains pixels with photoelectric conversion elements and the second substrate includes a signal processing unit that processes signals differently, allowing for separate signal paths and enabling control signals to be generated at increased speed without compromising the signal-to-noise ratio through optimized signal processing and amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If signal processing is performed in a single location, then device complexity is reduced, but control signal generation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing function into two separate locations: a first signal processing unit that processes pixel signals and a second signal processing unit that generates control signals based on the processed signals. This segmentation allows parallel processing operations, enabling faster control signal generation while distributing the processing load across multiple units, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single photoelectric conversion element is used, then device structure is simplified, but dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photoelectric conversion elements (first and second photoelectric conversion elements) within a single pixel to expand the dynamic range. By merging the outputs of these elements with different sensitivity characteristics, the system can simultaneously capture both bright and dark regions of an image, achieving a wider dynamic range while maintaining a relatively compact pixel structure.
3Measurement precision
If signal processing is centralized, then manufacturing is easier, but noise reduction capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into multiple spatially separated units, allowing each unit to independently process signals with optimized noise characteristics. The first signal processing unit processes pixel signals while the second generates control signals, enabling localized noise filtering and signal enhancement that improves the overall signal-to-noise ratio compared to centralized processing.
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 allows for the generation of control signals at higher speeds while maintaining a signal-to-noise ratio, enabling the capture of images with a wide dynamic range and high resolution, even for objects with varying brightness and speed.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel that includes a photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion device according to one embodiment includes: a first substrate including a pixel that includes a photoelectric conversion element; and a second substrate including a first control unit that includes a first signal processing unit configured to process a signal from the pixel, the second substrate being stacked together with the first substrate. The signal from the pixel is output to a second signal processing unit disposed at a position different from a position of the first signal processing unit, a path through which the signal from the pixel is output to the first signal processing unit is different from a path through which the signal from the pixel is output to the second signal processing unit, and the first control unit is configured to control the pixel on the basis of the signal processed by the first signal processing unit.