TDI Image Sensor for Hyperspectral Scanning of Moving Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image sensors struggle to obtain high-resolution hyperspectral images of moving objects due to the need for mechanical stopping and starting, which is impractical for conveyor-belt scenarios, leading to inefficiencies and potential inability to capture images.

Innovation Solution

An image sensor with an array of pixels, each comprising multiple sub-pixels, where electric charges generated perpendicular to the object's motion accumulate at the same speed as the object, allowing for synchronized movement and image capture without stopping, using a time delay integration mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the image sensor stops at a given region to obtain an image, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the time required to acquire the entire image increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidimage acquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by accumulating electric charges in the pixel array before the object passes underneath. Multiple charges from successive object positions are accumulated in the same pixel over time, so that when the object is directly beneath the sensor, the pixel contains pre-accumulated charges representing the integrated signal from the entire object length, thereby achieving high SNR without mechanical stopping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous action by maintaining the image sensor in constant motion along the conveyor belt without stopping. The sensor continuously accumulates charges as it moves, integrating signals from all object positions that pass beneath during the accumulation period, thus eliminating idle time while maintaining measurement quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If the image sensor mechanically moves and stops repeatedly to capture images, then high-resolution spectral images can be obtained, but the complexity of the mechanical system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral image resolutionVSAvoidmechanical movement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stopping and positioning system with an electrical charge accumulation mechanism. Instead of mechanically stopping the sensor at each measurement position, the system uses the motion of charges within the pixel array to integrate signals continuously, substituting mechanical complexity with electrical control and eliminating motors, brakes, and positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the stopping function from the mechanical system and transfers it to the charge accumulation process. By removing the requirement for mechanical stops and using continuous charge integration during motion, the system eliminates the need for complex mechanical positioning while maintaining spectral imaging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the image sensor is used on a conveyor belt system, then continuous processing of moving objects is enabled, but hyperspectral imaging becomes impossible with conventional sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidhyperspectral image quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by accumulating charges in advance as the object approaches and passes through the sensing zone. Charges from multiple object positions are collected in the pixel array before readout, enabling hyperspectral data acquisition during continuous conveyor operation without requiring the object to stop or the sensor to mechanically reposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 high-resolution spectral or hyperspectral imaging of moving objects by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing capture time, achieving clear images without mechanical pauses.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of pixels are provided in an array, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of sub-pixels are provided such that electric charges, generated in pixels among the plurality of pixels provided perpendicular to a moving direction of an object, accumulate while moving in the moving direction of the object at a same speed as the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime delay integration:

Data Source

PatentUS12490526B2Image sensor, scanner including the same, and method of operating the scanner

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an image sensor including a plurality of pixels provided in an array, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and wherein the plurality of sub-pixels are provided such that electric charges, generated from pixels among the plurality of pixels provided perpendicular to a moving direction of an object, accumulate while moving in the moving direction of the object at a same speed as the object.