18156046. PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Mahito Shinohara of Tokyo (JP)
PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18156046 titled 'PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a photoelectric conversion device that includes a photoelectric conversion region, a readout circuit, and a counting circuit. The device is designed to generate a signal charge and read out the signal charge using either avalanche multiplication or without causing avalanche multiplication to occur.
- The photoelectric conversion region generates a signal charge.
- The readout circuit selectively performs first readout using avalanche multiplication and second readout without causing avalanche multiplication.
- The counting circuit counts the number of occurrences of avalanche current caused by avalanche multiplication in the first readout.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Image sensors in digital cameras and smartphones
- Solar panels for efficient energy conversion
- Medical imaging devices like X-ray detectors
Problems solved by this technology:
- Improved signal readout efficiency
- Reduction in noise and distortion in the signal
- Enhanced sensitivity and dynamic range of the device
Benefits of this technology:
- Higher quality images with improved clarity and detail
- Increased efficiency in energy conversion
- Enhanced performance in medical imaging for accurate diagnosis
Original Abstract Submitted
A photoelectric conversion device includes a photoelectric conversion region, a readout circuit, and a counting circuit. The photoelectric conversion region is configured to generate a signal charge. The readout circuit is configured to, when reading out a signal that is based on the signal charge generated at the photoelectric conversion region, selectively perform first readout for reading out the signal using avalanche multiplication that is based on the signal charge and second readout for reading out the signal without causing avalanche multiplication to occur with respect to at least a part of the signal charge. The counting circuit is configured to count a number of occurrences of avalanche current which is caused to occur by avalanche multiplication in the first readout.
