18496661. SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS simplified abstract (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)

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SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

Organization Name

Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation

Inventor(s)

Fumihiko Koga of Kanagawa (JP)

SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18496661 titled 'SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

Simplified Explanation

The present technology is related to a solid-state imaging device that aims to improve imaging quality by reducing variation in the voltage of a charge retention unit.

  • A first photoelectric conversion unit generates and accumulates signal charge by receiving light and converting it photoelectrically.
  • A first charge retention unit retains the generated signal charge.
  • A first output transistor outputs the signal charge in the first charge retention unit as a pixel signal when the pixel is selected.
  • A first voltage control transistor controls the voltage of the output end of the first output transistor.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Digital cameras
  • Smartphone cameras
  • Surveillance cameras
  • Medical imaging devices

Problems solved by this technology:

  • Variation in voltage of charge retention unit affecting imaging quality
  • Inconsistencies in pixel signal output

Benefits of this technology:

  • Improved imaging quality
  • Consistent pixel signal output
  • Enhanced performance of solid-state imaging devices


Original Abstract Submitted

The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device that can improve imaging quality by reducing variation in the voltage of a charge retention unit, a method of driving the solid-state imaging device, and an electronic apparatus. A first photoelectric conversion unit generates and accumulates signal charge by receiving light that has entered a pixel, and photoelectrically converting the light. A first charge retention unit retains the generated signal charge. A first output transistor outputs the signal charge in the first charge retention unit as a pixel signal, when the pixel is selected by the first select transistor. A first voltage control transistor controls the voltage of the output end of the first output transistor. The present technology can be applied to pixels in solid-state imaging devices, for example.