18575339. SOLID-STATE IMAGING APPARATUS simplified abstract (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)

SOLID-STATE IMAGING APPARATUS

Organization Name

SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

RYOTA Watanabe of KANAGAWA (JP)

SOLID-STATE IMAGING APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18575339 titled 'SOLID-STATE IMAGING APPARATUS

The present invention describes a solid-state imaging apparatus with pixels arranged in an array, each including a pixel separator, a photoelectric converter, transistors, a floating diffusion region, and a shielding portion.

• Pixel separator defines the outer edge shape of the pixel and is formed between adjacent pixels.
• Photoelectric converter generates charge corresponding to incident light.
• Transistors include a transfer transistor to transfer the charge, a reset transistor to reset the potential of the floating diffusion region, and a feedback enable transistor to cancel out voltage noise.
• Floating diffusion region temporarily stores the charges generated and transferred by the photoelectric converter.
• Shielding portion blocks light leaking from the photoelectric converter towards the floating diffusion region.

Potential Applications: - Digital cameras - Surveillance systems - Medical imaging devices

Problems Solved: - Improved image quality - Reduced noise interference - Enhanced sensitivity to light

Benefits: - Higher resolution images - Better low-light performance - Reduced image distortion

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Image Sensors for High-Resolution Cameras This technology can be used in high-end digital cameras, security cameras, and medical imaging equipment, enhancing image quality and performance in various commercial applications.

Prior Art: Researchers can explore prior patents related to solid-state imaging devices, pixel array configurations, and photoelectric converter technologies to understand the evolution of this technology.

Frequently Updated Research: Researchers are constantly working on improving pixel designs, transistor configurations, and noise reduction techniques in solid-state imaging devices to enhance image quality and performance.

Questions about Solid-State Imaging Apparatus: 1. How does the shielding portion in the pixel design contribute to image quality? The shielding portion blocks light leakage towards the floating diffusion region, reducing noise interference and improving image clarity.

2. What are the potential challenges in implementing this advanced pixel design in commercial imaging devices? Implementing complex pixel designs in mass-produced imaging devices may require specialized manufacturing processes and could increase production costs.

Original Abstract Submitted

The present invention provides a solid-state imaging apparatus in which pixels are arranged in an array. Each the plurality of pixels includes: a pixel separator that defines an outer edge shape of the pixel and is formed between the adjacent pixels; a photoelectric converter that generates an amount of charge corresponding to light incident from the outside; a plurality of transistors, including a transfer transistor formed at one end of the photoelectric converter to transfer the charge generated by the photoelectric converter; a floating diffusion region formed around the photoelectric converter to temporarily store the charges generated and transferred by the photoelectric converter; and a shielding portion formed around the photoelectric converter to block light leaking from the photoelectric converter and directed toward the floating diffusion region. The plurality of transistors further includes: a reset transistor for resetting a potential of the floating diffusion region; and a feedback enable transistor connected to a feedback amplifier circuit for canceling out voltage noise of the reset transistor. The shielding portion blocks light directed toward a portion of the floating diffusion region formed near the feedback enable transistor.