IMAGING DEVICE

Organization Name

panasonic intellectual property management co., ltd.

Inventor(s)

IMAGING DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240259708 titled 'IMAGING DEVICE

Simplified Explanation: The imaging device described in the patent application consists of unit pixel cells arranged in rows and columns, along with a voltage supply circuit. Each unit pixel cell includes a pixel electrode, a counter electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer for converting light into signal charge, and a charge accumulation region connected to the pixel electrode to store signal charge. The unit pixel cells are organized into pixel blocks, with the counter electrode continuous within each block but separated between different blocks. The voltage supply circuit performs a shutter operation on the pixel blocks at different timings, creating exposure and non-exposure periods by applying different voltages to the counter electrode.

Key Features and Innovation:

Unit pixel cells with pixel and counter electrodes, photoelectric conversion layer, and charge accumulation region
Pixel blocks formed by multiple rows of unit pixel cells
Continuous counter electrode within pixel blocks, separated between different blocks
Voltage supply circuit for sequential shutter operation on pixel blocks
Exposure and non-exposure periods created by applying different voltages to the counter electrode

Potential Applications: This technology could be used in digital cameras, smartphones, security cameras, and other imaging devices that require precise control over exposure periods.

Problems Solved: The technology addresses the need for efficient and accurate control of exposure periods in imaging devices to capture high-quality images.

Benefits:

Improved image quality
Enhanced control over exposure settings
Increased versatility in capturing different types of images

Commercial Applications: Potential commercial applications include digital camera manufacturing, smartphone development, security system integration, and medical imaging equipment production.

Questions about Imaging Device Technology: 1. How does the voltage supply circuit control the exposure and non-exposure periods in the pixel blocks? 2. What are the advantages of having continuous counter electrodes within pixel blocks?

Frequently Updated Research: Ongoing research in this field focuses on optimizing the voltage supply circuit for faster and more precise shutter operations, as well as exploring new materials for improved photoelectric conversion layers.

Original Abstract Submitted

an imaging device includes unit pixel cells arranged in rows and columns and a voltage supply circuit. each of the unit pixel cells includes a pixel electrode, a counter electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer converting light into signal charge, and a charge accumulation region electrically connected to the pixel electrode to accumulate signal charge. the unit pixel cells form pixel blocks each including one or more rows. the counter electrode is continuous between pixels in each pixel block and is separated between different pixel blocks. the voltage supply circuit sequentially performs a shutter operation on the pixel blocks at different timings. the shutter operation forms an exposure period by applying a first voltage to the counter electrode and forms a non-exposure period by applying a second voltage to the counter electrode.