TDI Line Image Sensor Parallel Output Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing TDI line image sensors face inefficiencies in charge accumulation and output due to serial transmission of charges from CCDs to a signal processing unit, leading to prolonged processing times and reduced scanning speed, especially when dealing with high-resolution images.
Innovation Solution
A TDI line image sensor design featuring a pixel unit with N line sensors arranged horizontally, where charges are accumulated and then processed in parallel by an output unit comprising amplifiers, AD converters, and a memory buffer for sequential output, improving resolution and transmission rate while reducing power consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If charges are transmitted serially from CCDs to signal processing unit, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The output unit is segmented into multiple parallel channels, each handling charge transmission independently. Instead of a single serial transmission path, multiple parallel paths are created to simultaneously transmit charges from different CCD columns to the signal processing unit, thereby increasing transmission speed without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge transmission is transitioned from a one-dimensional serial path to a two-dimensional parallel structure. Multiple transmission channels operate simultaneously in parallel, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the transmission process and enabling higher throughput while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple line sensors are arranged for high-resolution imaging, then measurement precision improves, but charge accumulation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
While charges are being transmitted through the parallel channels in the output unit, the CCDs in the pixel unit are already accumulating charges for the next imaging cycle. This overlapping of transmission and accumulation operations eliminates idle time and ensures continuous useful action, allowing high-resolution imaging without proportionally increasing total charge accumulation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The output unit begins transmitting charges from previous imaging cycles while the current charge accumulation is still in progress. This preliminary transmission action allows the system to prepare for the next imaging cycle ahead of time, reducing the effective charge accumulation time required for high-resolution images.
3Use of energy by moving object
If serial charge transmission is used, then power consumption is reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fully serial transmission, the system implements partial parallelism with multiple transmission channels operating simultaneously. This partial parallel action reduces processing time significantly compared to full serial transmission, while the power consumption increase is controlled and manageable, representing an optimal balance between energy use and processing speed.
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 enhances image resolution and transmission speed while minimizing power consumption and noise by parallel processing and storage of charges, effectively addressing the inefficiencies in charge accumulation and output.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel unit, which accumulates charges through charge-coupled devices (CCDs) in a TDI method
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a TDI line image sensor. The TDI line image sensor according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a pixel unit, which has N line sensors having M CCDs arranged in a line and being arranged horizontally to a scan direction, horizontally moves charges accumulated in the respective columns of the line sensors, and accumulates same; and an output unit for parallelly receiving as inputs the charges accumulated in the pixel unit from the respective columns, performing analog-to-digital conversion on and storing the charges, and then sequentially outputting same.