18433873. PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

KEI Ochiai of Tokyo (JP)

PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18433873 titled 'PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE

The photoelectric conversion device described in the patent application consists of multiple pixels, each containing a photoelectric conversion unit that generates charges in response to incident light, a charge holding unit, and transfer transistors for moving charges within the pixel.

  • Photoelectric conversion unit generates charges based on incident light
  • First transfer transistor transfers charges to charge holding unit
  • Second transfer transistor moves charges from charge holding unit to a first node
  • Third transfer transistor transfers charges from the photoelectric conversion unit to a second node

In one of the pixels, the device performs first reading processing to read a gradation signal indicating the light amount of the incident light based on charges transferred to the first node, and second reading processing to read an event signal indicating a change in light amount based on charges transferred to the second node, simultaneously.

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

Problems Solved: - Efficient charge transfer within pixels - Accurate reading of incident light levels - Simultaneous processing of gradation and event signals

Benefits: - Improved image quality - Enhanced low-light performance - Faster response to changes in light conditions

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Image Sensor Technology for Enhanced Performance This technology can be utilized in various commercial applications such as digital cameras, surveillance systems, and medical imaging devices to improve image quality and performance in different lighting conditions.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the device handle simultaneous processing of gradation and event signals? 2. What are the key advantages of using this photoelectric conversion device in digital cameras?


Original Abstract Submitted

A photoelectric conversion device including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels including: a photoelectric conversion unit configured to generate charges according to incident light; a charge holding unit; a first transfer transistor configured to transfer charges from the photoelectric conversion unit to the charge holding unit; a second transfer transistor configured to transfer charges from the charge holding unit to a first node; and a third transfer transistor configured to transfer charges from the photoelectric conversion unit to a second node. In one of the plurality of pixels, first reading processing of reading a gradation signal indicating a light amount of the incident light based on the charges transferred to the first node and second reading processing of reading an event signal indicating a change in the light amount of the incident light based on the charges transferred to the second node are performed in parallel.