Global Shutter Pixel with Vertically Integrated Multi-Phase Charge Transfer

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Global Shutter Pixel with Vertically Integrated Multi-Phase Charge Transfer - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18326940 titled 'Global Shutter Pixel with Vertically Integrated Multi-Phase Charge Transfer

The abstract describes an image sensor with pixels containing a photodiode, a floating diffusion region, and a charge transfer region with multiple charge modulation regions.

Each pixel in the image sensor has a photodiode, a floating diffusion region, and a charge transfer region for transferring charge vertically.
The charge transfer region includes three charge modulation regions - P1, P2, and P3.
The image sensor operates in a global shutter mode, utilizing P2 as an in-pixel charge memory region to temporarily store charge during transfer.
Charge is transferred from the photodiode to the floating diffusion region via the charge modulation regions P1, P2, and P3.

Potential Applications: - High-speed photography - Machine vision systems - Surveillance cameras - Medical imaging devices

Problems Solved: - Efficient charge transfer within pixels - Global shutter operation for capturing fast-moving objects - Improved image quality and sensor performance

Benefits: - Reduced motion blur in captured images - Enhanced image quality in low-light conditions - Higher frame rates for video recording

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Image Sensors for High-Speed Applications This technology can be used in high-speed cameras for sports events, scientific research, and industrial applications where fast-moving objects need to be captured with clarity and precision.

Prior Art: Readers can explore prior patents related to image sensors, pixel designs, and global shutter technologies to understand the evolution of this innovation.

Frequently Updated Research: Researchers are constantly working on improving pixel designs, charge transfer mechanisms, and sensor performance in image sensors to enhance their capabilities and applications.

Questions about Image Sensors: 1. How do image sensors differ from traditional cameras in terms of capturing and processing images? Image sensors convert light into electrical signals, while traditional cameras use film to capture images. Image sensors offer faster processing and digital output.

2. What are the key factors to consider when choosing an image sensor for a specific application? Factors such as pixel size, resolution, sensitivity, dynamic range, and frame rate are crucial when selecting an image sensor for a particular application.

Original Abstract Submitted

An image sensor may include a plurality of pixels, each of which may include a photodiode having a charge accumulation region (“PD”), a floating diffusion region (“FD”), and a charge transfer region vertically between the PD and FD. The vertical charge transfer region may include a first charge modulation region (“P1”), a second charge modulation region (“P2”), and a third charge modulation region (“P3”). The image sensor may operate in a global shutter mode, in which the P2 may be used as an in-pixel charge memory region to temporarily store charge during transfer of the charge from PD to FD via P1, P2, and P3.