Image sensor

Abstract

There is provided a first image sensor including: a first interface configured to receive first parameter information from a processor; an encoder configured to encode the first parameter information; and a second interface configured to transmit the encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor. The first image sensor provides a first field of view (FOV) and the second image sensor provides a second FOV. The processor is included in a first chip and the second image sensor is included in a second chip.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0087000, filed on July 2, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The example embodiments relate to an electronic device. Specifically, the example embodiments relate to an image sensor, an electronic device including the image sensor, and a method for controlling the image sensor. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, technologies utilizing multiple image sensors are being developed. For example, when a user selects different image sensors while simultaneously capturing an image using a specific image sensor, the screen can switch between images captured by the different image sensors and displayed on the electronic device's monitor. As another example, an electronic device can composite multiple images of an object captured by multiple image sensors into a single image. Besides these examples, various other examples utilizing multiple image sensors exist. Therefore, methods for quickly and / or accurately synchronizing multiple image sensors are being developed to enable operations utilizing multiple image sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect provides an image sensor capable of synchronous operation at timing, an electronic device including the image sensor, and a method for controlling the image sensor.

[0006] The technical tasks to be achieved in this example embodiment are not limited to those described above, and other technical tasks can be inferred from the following example embodiments.

[0007] According to one aspect, a first image sensor is provided, comprising: a first interface configured to receive first parameter information from a processor; an encoder configured to encode the first parameter information; and a second interface configured to send the encoded first parameter information to a second image sensor, wherein the first image sensor is configured to provide a first field of view (FOV), and the second image sensor is configured to provide a second FOV, and wherein the processor is included in a first chip, and the second image sensor is included in a second chip.

[0008] According to another aspect, a first image sensor is provided, comprising: a first interface configured to receive first parameter information at a first time and receive second parameter information from a processor at a second time different from the first time; and a second interface configured to send the first parameter information or information about the first parameter information to a second image sensor at a third time and send the second parameter information or information about the second parameter information to the second image sensor at a fourth time different from the third time, wherein the first image sensor is configured to provide a first field of view (FOV), and the second image sensor is configured to provide a second FOV, and wherein the processor is included in a first chip, and the second image sensor is included in a second chip.

[0009] According to another aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor; a first image sensor configured to receive first parameter information from the processor via a first interface and configured to encode the first parameter information; and a second image sensor configured to receive second parameter information from the processor via a second interface and receive the encoded first parameter information via a third interface, wherein the third interface is different from the first interface and the second interface, and the first image sensor includes a first field of view (FOV) and the second image sensor includes a second FOV different from the first FOV.

[0010] According to another aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor; a first image sensor configured to receive first parameter information from the processor via a first interface and configured to identify information about a region of interest (FOV) of the first image sensor based on the first parameter information; and a second image sensor configured to receive second parameter information from the processor via a second interface and configured to receive information about the FOV via a third interface, wherein the third interface is different from the first and second interfaces, and the first image sensor includes a first FOV, and the second image sensor includes a second FOV different from the first FOV.

[0011] Additional aspects of the exemplary embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure.

[0012] According to an example embodiment, an image sensor configured to operate synchronously at timed intervals, an electronic device including the image sensor, and a method for controlling the image sensor are provided.

[0013] According to the example embodiment, the operation time points of each image sensor can be synchronized with each other.

[0014] According to the example embodiment, an improved user experience can be provided to users who capture images using multiple image sensors.

[0015] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained through the written description and its claims, as well as the structures particularly pointed out in the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] These and / or other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figures 1A to 1C This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to at least one example embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an image sensor according to at least one example embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 It is a diagram used to explain the pixel array according to at least one example embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 A diagram is shown to explain the operation of a group of pixels according to at least one example embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 It is a diagram used to explain the operation of an electronic device according to at least one example embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6A It is a diagram used to explain the synchronization time of the first image sensor and the second image sensor according to at least one example embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6B This is a diagram used to explain a method for determining synchronization time according to at least one example embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a diagram used to explain the synchronization time when the region of interest changes according to at least one example embodiment;

[0025] Figure 8 It is a diagram used to explain pixel groups based on regions of interest according to at least one example embodiment;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to explain at least one example embodiment of changing the second selected pixel group according to at least one example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to explain the pre-monitoring operation of a second image sensor according to at least one example embodiment;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device comprising three or more image sensors according to at least one example embodiment;

[0029] Figure 12 It is used for explanation Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the operation of electronic devices;

[0030] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to at least one example embodiment; and

[0031] Figure 14 This is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an electronic device according to at least one example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] While considering the functionality of this disclosure, where possible, terms used in the example embodiments are selected from currently widely used general terminology. However, terms can vary depending on the intent or precedent of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in some cases, there are also terms chosen by the applicant, and in these cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the corresponding description. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the content of this disclosure, rather than the simple names of the terms. Additionally, when the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in conjunction with value and / or geometric terms in this specification, the values ​​intended to be associated include manufacturing tolerances (e.g., ±10%) around said value. Furthermore, regardless of whether value and / or geometric terms are modified to “about” or “substantially”, it will be understood that these values ​​should be interpreted as including manufacturing or operational tolerances (e.g., ±10%) around said value and / or geometry.

[0033] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as "containing or including" a component, it does not exclude another component, but may further include another component, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, terms such as "...controller," "...unit," "...processor," and "...module" described in the specification indicate a unit that performs at least one function or operation, which can be implemented in processing circuitry, such as hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, processing circuitry may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), application processor (AP), arithmetic logic unit (ALU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor, microcomputer, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), system-on-a-chip (SoC), programmable logic unit, microprocessor, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0034] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0035] In the following description, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figures 1A to 1C This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to at least one example embodiment.

[0037] refer to Figures 1A to 1C Electronic device 100 can be implemented as various types of electronic devices, such as smartphones, personal computers (PCs), tablet PCs, wearable devices, automobiles, drones, virtual reality (VR) devices, mixed reality (MR) devices, digital cameras, camera modules, printed circuit boards (PCBs), security camera systems, medical imaging systems, etc.

[0038] refer to Figure 1A The electronic device 100 may include multiple image sensors (e.g., a first image sensor 110A and a second image sensor 110B). Each of the first image sensor 110A and the second image sensor 110B may be configured to acquire an image. Here, the image may be a single still image, and / or may be a frame from a series of frames of a moving image. In the following, the first image refers to the image acquired by the first image sensor 110A, and the second image refers to the image acquired by the second image sensor 110B.

[0039] In at least one example embodiment, the imaging performance of the first image sensor 110A and the second image sensor 110B may be substantially the same or different. In other words, the electronic device 100 may include two or more image sensors having the same (or substantially similar) imaging performance. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may include two or more image sensors with different imaging performance. For example, imaging performance may include at least one of frame size indicating the number of pixels, frame rate indicating the shooting speed, and lens magnification. For example, imaging performance may vary depending on the image sensor hardware. In other words, the electronic device 100 may include two or more image sensors of the same manufacturing type. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may include two or more image sensors of different manufacturing types.

[0040] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may have a first field of view (FOV), and the second image sensor 110B may have a second FOV different from the first FOV. FOV indicates the range that an image sensor can capture, and FOV can be determined by the sensor size and lens magnification of the image sensor. For example, FOV can be calculated by dividing the sensor size by the lens magnification. Here, the sensor size can be the pixel size multiplied by the number of pixels. In another example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A and the second image sensor 110B may have the same FOV.

[0041] In some embodiments, a first image sensor 110A and a second image sensor 110B are connected to each other via a common node CCH. The first image sensor 110A is configured to send synchronization information to the second image sensor 110B via the common node CCH. The synchronization information may include at least one of a synchronization signal and / or first parameter information. In at least one example embodiment, the common node CCH may be a general purpose input / output (GPIO) channel. For example, a GPIO channel may be configured to send synchronization information in the form of an analog signal. Additionally, the first parameter information (e.g., information about the region of interest encoded during the synchronization information) may be sent in the form of a switching signal. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may periodically send synchronization information to the second image sensor 110B via the common node CCH.

[0042] In at least one example embodiment, the first parameter information can be encoded, and the encoded first parameter information can be parameter information encoded in the form of a signal. For example, the first image sensor 110A can send a synchronization signal or the encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via a common node CCH. In another example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can send a synchronization signal and the encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via the common node CCH (e.g., the synchronization signal can be sent together with the encoded first parameter information). In at least one example embodiment, the encoded first parameter information can be sent after the synchronization signal is sent.

[0043] The synchronization signal can be a signal indicating the time point at which the second image sensor 110B is synchronized. Here, the synchronization signal can be a signal that transitions from a first state to a second state at a specific time point. For example, the first state can be a high state, and the second state can be a low state. Alternatively, the first state can be a low state, and the second state can be a high state. In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B can begin a readout operation at the time point of the synchronization signal's state transition. Here, the readout operation can be an operation of reading out pixel signals sensed by the pixels.

[0044] According to at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may be referred to as a master image sensor or a leader image sensor, and the second image sensor 110B may be referred to as a first slave image sensor, a first sub-image sensor, or a first follower image sensor. For example, the master image sensor may be an image sensor that sends synchronization information, and the slave image sensor may be an image sensor that receives synchronization information. As another example, the master image sensor may be an image sensor that controls the slave image sensor.

[0045] refer to Figure 1B and Figure 1C The electronic device 100 may include a first image sensor 110A, a second image sensor 110B, and a processor 120. Furthermore, the number of image sensors included in the electronic device 100 can vary, and may include more than [a certain number of sensors]. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The image sensors shown are more than one image sensor. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A, the second image sensor 110B, and the processor 120 may be included in different chips. For example, the processor 120 may be included in the first chip, the first image sensor 110A may be included in the second chip, and the second image sensor 110B may be included in the third chip. In embodiments, at least two of these may be included in the same chip. For example, the processor 120 may be included in the first chip, and the first image sensor 110A and the second image sensor 110B may be included in the second chip. Combinations are not limited to examples and may be modified. The term "chip" refers to a semiconductor device or package with integrated functional circuitry, including but not limited to image sensor arrays, signal processing circuitry, and control circuitry. A chip may be implemented as a standalone integrated circuit or as part of a multi-chip module.

[0046] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may include a first interface 19A connected to the processor 120 via a first channel CH1, and the second image sensor 110B may include a second interface 19B connected to the processor 120 via a second channel CH2. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may include a third interface 23A connected to the second image sensor 110B via a common node CCH. Here, the third interface 23A may be configured on a different channel than the first interface 19A. The third interface 23A of the first image sensor 110A may be referred to as the second interface of the first image sensor 110A. In embodiments, at least one of the first interface 19A and the third interface 23A may transmit or receive signals based on an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus. In embodiments, at least one of the first interface 19A and the third interface 23A may transmit or receive signals based on a MIPI (Mobile Industrial Processor Interface) display serial interface. The second image sensor 110B may include a fourth interface 23B connected to the first image sensor 110A via a common node CCH. Here, the fourth interface 23B can be configured on a different channel than the second interface 19B. In an embodiment, at least one of the second interface 19B and the fourth interface 23B can transmit or receive signals based on an integrated circuit bus (I2C). In an embodiment, at least one of the second interface 19B and the fourth interface 23B can transmit or receive signals based on a MIPI display serial interface.

[0047] In at least one example embodiment, the first interface 19A and the second interface 19B can be an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus. For example, I2C can perform communication using two communication lines. The communication lines may include a serial data line (SDA) for transmitting data and a serial clock line (SCL) for transmitting clock signals.

[0048] Processor 120 can be configured to control the overall operation of electronic device 100. In at least one example embodiment, processor 120 can control the operation of first image sensor 110A and / or second image sensor 110B. For example, processor 120 can send a control command requesting image capture to first image sensor 110A. In this case, first image sensor 110A can acquire and output an image. Furthermore, processor 120 can send a control command requesting image capture to second image sensor 110B. In this case, second image sensor 110B can acquire and output an image.

[0049] In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 may include a first communication interface 121A connected to a first image sensor 110A via a first channel CH1 and a second communication interface 121B connected to a second image sensor 110B via a second channel CH2. In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 may send control commands to at least one of the first image sensor 110A and the second image sensor 110B via the first channel CH1 and the second channel CH2, respectively. In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 may receive images from at least one of the first image sensor 110A and the second image sensor 110B via each of the first channel CH1 and the second channel CH2. In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 may be implemented as at least one (or included therein) of a central processing unit (CPU) configured to interpret and execute program commands, a graphics processing unit (GPU) configured to process images and / or perform operations on images, and / or an application processing unit (APU) configured to run applications and / or user interfaces.

[0050] In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 is configured to send first parameter information to the first image sensor 110A via the first channel CH1. The first image sensor 110A can receive the first parameter information from the processor 120 via the first interface 19A. Simultaneously, the first image sensor 110A can set parameters and acquire an image based on the first parameter information. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information to the second image sensor 110B via the third interface 23A.

[0051] In at least one example embodiment, processor 120 is configured to send second parameter information to second image sensor 110B via second channel CH2. Second image sensor 110B can receive the second parameter information from processor 120 via second interface 19B. Second image sensor 110B can set parameters and acquire images based on the second parameter information.

[0052] The second image sensor 110B can receive synchronization information from the first image sensor 110A via the common node CCH. The second image sensor 110B is configured to control the operation timing based on the synchronization information.

[0053] In at least one example embodiment, the first parameter information and the second parameter information may be or include a setting change request (which requests the setting of a parameter or changes the setting of a parameter). Each of the first parameter information and the second parameter information may include information about the parameter to be set or changed. The parameter may include at least one of, for example, frame line length, frame rate, exposure time, and readout time.

[0054] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may further include an encoder 13A, and the second image sensor 110B may further include a decoder 14B. The encoder 13A is configured to encode first parameter information and generate encoded first parameter information. The encoder 13A can identify a region of interest (ROI) based on the first parameter information and generate information about the ROI representing the ROI. The information about the ROI may be information about the encoding of the ROI. For example, the information about the ROI may be the time when the ROI was read or the order in which the frame lines of the ROI were read. For example, the encoder 13A may use various encoding techniques (e.g., Huffman coding, Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) algorithm, etc.) to convert data into a communication signal. The decoder 14B is configured to decode the encoded first parameter information or the information about the ROI. The decoder 14B can decode the received communication signal and recover the original data. The decoder 14B may use various decoding techniques (e.g., Huffman decoding, Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) decoding algorithm, etc.) to recover the data.

[0055] According to some example embodiments, by sending synchronization information to the second image sensor 110B via the common node CCH, the first image sensor 110A can synchronize its operating time with that of the second image sensor 110B. According to some example embodiments, the intervention of the processor 120 is minimized, and the operating time of the image sensors is synchronized.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an image sensor according to at least one example embodiment. Figure 3 It is a diagram used to explain the pixel array according to at least one example embodiment.

[0057] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Image sensor 110 can be connected to other image sensors via a common node. Image sensor 110 can be implemented as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor, and can correspond to one or more of the image sensors 110A and 100B described above.

[0058] In at least one example embodiment, the image sensor 110 may include a pixel array 11.

[0059] The pixel array 11 may include multiple pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R2n). For example, pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R2n) can divide the pixel array into multiple rows. Each pixel group (pixel group R1 to R2n) can be connected to a row line representing a row. Pixel groups (pixel groups R1 and R2) can also be referred to as pixel lines.

[0060] Each pixel group (pixel group R1 to pixel group R2n) may include a plurality of pixels PX divided into multiple columns. Each pixel may be connected to a column line representing a column. In other words, pixel array 11 may include a plurality of pixels PX. The plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in rows and columns. Rows and columns may represent and / or correspond to specific locations and / or areas within an image. Each pixel PX may be connected to one of the multiple row lines and one of the multiple column lines. Among the plurality of pixels in pixel array 11, pixels arranged in the same row may form a single pixel group (pixel group R1 to pixel group R2n). In at least one example embodiment, a pixel PX may include a photodiode that generates charge in response to incident light during exposure time. The pixel PX may output a voltage corresponding to the amount of charge during a readout operation after the exposure time.

[0061] In at least one example embodiment, pixel array 11 is configured to acquire an image by sequentially reading a plurality of pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R2n). For example, pixel array 11 can sequentially read a plurality of pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R2n) according to the row order from pixel group R1 in the first row to pixel group R2n in the 2nth row. In at least one example embodiment, pixel group R1 in the first row is the pixel group corresponding to the top horizontal line of the image, and pixel group R2n in the 2nth row is the pixel group corresponding to the bottom horizontal line of the image. In another example embodiment, pixel group R1 in the first row is the pixel group corresponding to the bottom horizontal line of the image, and pixel group R2n in the 2nth row is the pixel group corresponding to the top horizontal line of the image. Pixel array 11 can obtain a pixel value corresponding to the voltage of a plurality of pixels PX included in each pixel group (pixel group R1 to R2n) by reading each pixel group (pixel group R1 to R2n).

[0062] In at least one example embodiment, the pixel array 11 may further include readout circuitry connected to multiple column lines. When multiple pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R2n) are selected sequentially, the readout circuitry can read pixel values ​​based on the voltage output from the selected pixel group. The readout circuitry can obtain an image by stacking the pixel values ​​read for each row with the pixel values ​​of the same column. In other words, the image may include multiple frame lines. Each frame line may correspond to a pixel group (or a single pixel line). For example, a frame line can be read through a corresponding pixel group. A single frame line may contain multiple pixel values ​​corresponding to a single horizontal line within the image.

[0063] According to at least one example embodiment, the image sensor 110 may also include a synchronization controller 12.

[0064] The synchronization controller 12 can control the generation or output of synchronization information. In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization controller 12 can generate synchronization information based on parameter information. In at least one example embodiment, the region of interest (ROI) can be a preset region in the image or a selected region in the image. In at least one example embodiment, the preset region can be a central region of constant size. In another example embodiment, the ROI can be a region selected from the image by user input. However, in another example embodiment, the ROI can be the region where an object is located in the image. The object can be a person, animal, plant, food, building, etc. The synchronization controller 12 can control the timing of outputting synchronization information so that the synchronization information can be sent to other image sensors through a common node. In at least one example embodiment, when synchronization information is received from another image sensor, the synchronization controller 12 can control the operation timing of the pixel array 11 based on the received synchronization information.

[0065] In at least one example embodiment, synchronization information may indicate the time for reading a selected pixel group from a plurality of pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R2n) in pixel array 11. The selected pixel group may be a pixel group selected from a plurality of pixel groups of interest. The plurality of pixel groups of interest may be pixel groups from a plurality of pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R2n) that correspond to a region of interest in the image. For example, a region of the image may consist of multiple horizontal lines. One pixel group may correspond to one horizontal line. Here, "one pixel group may correspond to one horizontal line" may indicate the relationship that the pixel value read from the pixel group is included in the horizontal line. In other words, synchronization information may indicate the time for reading a selected frame line (or reference frame line) from a plurality of frame lines. The selected frame line may be a single frame line selected from the frame lines of the region of interest.

[0066] Figure 4 A diagram is shown to explain the operation of a group of pixels according to at least one example embodiment.

[0067] refer to Figure 4 The pixel array 11 may include multiple pixel groups (pixel group R1 to pixel group R5) divided into multiple rows. Here, the number of pixel groups (from pixel group R1 to pixel group R5) is just an example, and the number of pixel groups can vary.

[0068] In at least one example embodiment, the pixel array 11 can perform exposure and readout operations per pixel group according to a first method 400a. The first method 400a can be referred to as a rolling shutter method, in which exposure operations are started sequentially. During the exposure operation, the state in which each pixel in the pixel group is activated depends on the charge accumulated by the incident light during the exposure time Te. When the exposure operation begins, pixel charging can be initiated. During the readout operation, during the readout time Tr, the voltage output from each pixel in the pixel group according to the charge amount is read, and the pixel value is obtained. In another example embodiment, the pixel array 11 can perform exposure and readout operations per pixel group according to a second method 400b. The second method 400b can be a global shutter method where exposure operations start simultaneously.

[0069] In at least one example embodiment, in the case of the first method 400a, multiple pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R5) may sequentially perform exposure operations E1a to E5a, and then sequentially perform readout operations R1a to R5a. In at least one example embodiment, there may be an overlapping time zone regarding the execution of exposure operations E1a to E5a. There may be no overlapping time zone regarding the execution of readout operations R1a to R5a.

[0070] For example, regarding pixel group R1 in the first row, exposure operation E1a can be performed from a first time point t1 to exposure time Te. Then, regarding pixel group R1 in the first row, readout operation R1a can be performed from a third time point t3 to readout time Tr, where the third time point t3 is after a second time point t2 when exposure operation E1a ends. Simultaneously, regarding pixel group R2 in the second row, exposure operation E2a can be performed during exposure time Te, starting from a time point after the first time point t1 when exposure operation E1a of pixel group R1 in the first row begins. Then, when exposure operation E2a completes, regarding pixel group R2 in the second row, readout operation R2a can be performed after a fourth time point t4 when readout operation R1a of pixel group R1 in the first row is completed. In this way, pixel groups R3 in the third row to R5 in the fifth row can sequentially perform exposure operations E3a to E5a and readout operations (readout operations R3a to R5a). In at least one example embodiment, exposure time Te and readout time Tr can be preset times.

[0071] In at least one example embodiment, in the case of the second method 400b, multiple pixel groups (pixel groups R1 to R5) can simultaneously perform exposure operations E1b to E5b, and then sequentially perform readout operations (readout operations R1b to R5b). In at least one example embodiment, there may be an overlapping time zone regarding the execution of the exposure operations (exposure operations E1a to E5a). There may be no overlapping time zone regarding the execution of the readout operations R1a to R5a.

[0072] For example, regarding pixel group R1 in the first row to pixel group R5 in the fifth row, exposure operations E1b to E5b can be performed from the first time point t1 to the exposure time Te. Then, regarding pixel group R1 in the first row, readout operation R1b can be performed from the third time point t3 to the readout time Tr, where the third time point t3 is after the second time point t2 where exposure operation E1b terminates. Regarding pixel group R2 in the second row, after completing exposure operation E2b, readout operation R2b can be performed after the fourth time point t4, after completing readout operation R1a for pixel group R1 in the first row. In this way, regarding pixel group R3 in the third row to pixel group R5 in the fifth row, readout operations R3b to R5b can be performed sequentially.

[0073] Furthermore, the description of the image sensor 110 above can also be applied to other image sensors, such as the first image sensor 110A, the second image sensor 110B, and the third image sensor 110C (see [link to image sensor description]). Figure 11 The third image sensor 110C may be referred to as a second slave image sensor, a second sub-image sensor, or a second follower image sensor. For example, the first image sensor 110A may include a first pixel array comprising a plurality of first pixel groups divided into multiple rows. Each first pixel group may contain a plurality of pixels divided into multiple columns. The second image sensor 110B may include a second pixel array comprising a plurality of second pixel groups divided into multiple rows. Each second pixel group may contain a plurality of pixels divided into multiple columns. The third image sensor 110C may include a third pixel array comprising a plurality of third pixel groups divided into multiple rows. Each third pixel group may contain a plurality of pixels separated by multiple columns.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to explain the operation of an electronic device according to at least one example embodiment.

[0075] refer to Figure 5 The electronic device 100 may include a first image sensor 110A, a second image sensor 110B, and a processor 120.

[0076] In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 can send first parameter information to the first image sensor 110A via the first channel CH1. For example, when receiving user input to control the capture using the first image sensor 110A, the processor 120 can send the first parameter information to the first image sensor 110A. The user input can vary and includes touch input, voice input, keyboard input, mouse input, and gesture input.

[0077] The first image sensor 110A can receive first parameter information from the processor 120 via the first interface 19A. During operation S511, the first image sensor 110A can acquire an image. For example, the first image sensor 110A can set parameters according to the first parameter information. The first image sensor 110A can acquire an image according to the set parameters. Here, the image can be a series of image frames or a still image.

[0078] The first parameter information may contain information about the parameters to be set. Parameters may include at least one of frame size, frame line length, frame rate, exposure time, and readout time. Frame size indicates the image resolution, and frame line length may indicate one of the image resolutions. For example, resolution includes horizontal and vertical resolution, and frame line length may represent the vertical resolution. For example, a frame size of 1920×1080 indicates that the horizontal resolution is 1920 and the vertical resolution is 1080. In this case, the frame line length may be referred to as 1080. An image with a resolution of 1920×1080 may indicate an image with 1920 pixel values ​​arranged along the width direction (or horizontal direction) and 1080 pixel values ​​arranged along the height direction (or vertical direction). Here, the width direction may correspond to... Figure 3 The column, and the height direction can correspond to Figure 3 The frame rate can refer to the time interval between consecutive shots when capturing image frames periodically. Exposure time can be the time it takes for a group of pixels to be exposed to obtain a frame line. Readout time can be the time it takes for an exposed group of pixels to be read to obtain a frame line.

[0079] In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 can send second parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via the second channel CH2. For example, when receiving user input to control shooting using the second image sensor 110B, the processor 120 can send the second parameter information to the second image sensor 110B. In at least one example embodiment, when sending the second parameter information to the second image sensor 110B, the processor 120 can also send shooting stop information (not shown) to the first image sensor 110A via the first channel CH1. In at least one embodiment, in response to receiving the shooting stop information, the first image sensor 110A can send first parameter information about parameters set in the first image sensor 110A to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface.

[0080] The second image sensor 110B can receive second parameter information from the processor 120 via a second interface. The second image sensor 110B can set parameters based on the second parameter information. Thus, the second parameter information can contain information about the parameters to be set. Parameters may include at least one of frame line length, frame rate, exposure time, and readout time. The second image sensor 110B can acquire an image based on the set parameters. Here, the image can be a series of image frames or a still image.

[0081] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information via the third interface upon receiving first parameter information. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information via the third interface after the second image sensor 110B receives the second parameter information. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can periodically send synchronization information via the third interface. For example, the first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information via the third interface at each reference time. In at least one example embodiment, the reference time can be a unit of time for capturing one image frame. For example, the reference time can be a unit of time for capturing one image frame. The reference time can be a time corresponding to the frame rate of the first image sensor 110A (or the second image sensor 110B). For example, the reference time can be the reciprocal of the frame rate. However, the reference time is not limited to this and can vary.

[0082] In at least one example embodiment, in operation S523, in response to receiving synchronization information from the first image sensor 110A via the common node CCH, the second image sensor 110B can acquire an image based on the synchronization information. For example, when the first image sensor 110A acquires an image in operation S513, the second image sensor 110B can also acquire an image in operation S523 by synchronizing with the operation time of the first image sensor 110A.

[0083] In at least one example embodiment, the image acquired by the first image sensor 110A or the second image sensor 110B can be one of consecutive frames of a moving image. The first image sensor 110A can acquire the Nth frame and, after a time interval according to the frame rate, acquire the (N+1)th frame. Here, N is a natural number. If synchronization information is received before performing a read operation for the Nth frame, the second image sensor 110B can perform a read operation by synchronizing from the Nth frame. In another example embodiment, when synchronization information is received, the second image sensor 110B can perform a read operation by synchronizing from the (N+1)th frame.

[0084] In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization information may include at least one of a synchronization signal, encoded first parameter information, and information about the region of interest. In at least one example embodiment, upon receiving the first parameter information, the first image sensor 110A may encode the first parameter information and transmit the encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface. For example, the first image sensor 110A may encode the first parameter information and generate encoded first parameter information. The encoded first parameter information may be first parameter information encoded in signal form. In at least one example embodiment, the first parameter information may include information about frame line length, exposure time, and readout time. In at least one example embodiment, the encoded first parameter information may include information about at least one of frame line length, exposure time, and readout time.

[0085] In at least one example embodiment, in response to receiving first parameter information, the first image sensor 110A can send information about the region of interest (ROI) based on the first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can generate information about the ROI representing the region of interest based on the first parameter information. For example, the first image sensor 110A can identify the ROI based on the first parameter information and generate information about the ROI. In at least one example embodiment, the encoded first parameter information may include information about the ROI. The ROI may be a preset region and / or a selected region in the image captured by each image sensor. In at least some embodiments, the ROI may be determined by user setting and / or based on a set of instructions stored, for example, in memory. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the instructions may enable a processor to identify objects in an image, and the ROI may be a region in the image where objects exist.

[0086] In at least one example embodiment, the first parameter information may be information related to the region of interest (ROI). Information about the ROI generated based on the first parameter information may include the sequence number of a pixel group within the ROI from multiple pixel groups corresponding to the frame line length. In other words, the information about the ROI may include the sequence number of the frame line from which the ROI is read among multiple frame lines corresponding to the frame line length. For example, the first parameter information may include the frame line length. The frame line length may be related to the sequence number of the read operation of a reference frame line (or selected frame line) for reading the ROI.

[0087] For example, when the frame line length is 100, the image may include frame lines 1 through 100. For example, when the region of interest (ROI) size is 10 and the ROI is centered, the ROI may include frame lines 46 through 55. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may select the frame line with the smallest (or earliest) number as the reference frame line within the ROI. In these cases, the reference frame line is frame line 46 and can be read as frame line 46 out of all frames. Here, the method of selecting the reference frame line can vary in various ways, such as having an intermediate or maximum number. In other example embodiments, when the frame line length is 200, the image may include frame lines 1 through 200. In these cases, the ROI may include frame lines 146 through 155. For example, the reference frame line is frame line 146 and can be read as frame line 146 out of all frames. Thus, as the frame line length changes, the reading sequence number of the region of interest changes, and if synchronization is performed based on the reading time of the region of interest of the first image sensor 110A, the synchronization time point can also change.

[0088] In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B can identify the synchronization time based on synchronization information. For example, the second image sensor 110B can identify the synchronization time (or synchronization time point) as the time elapsed from the reference time (or reference time point) based on the synchronization information. The second image sensor 110B can perform a read operation during the synchronization time. For example, the synchronization time can be the time when the first image sensor 110A performs a read operation on the reference frame line. In this case, the second image sensor 110B can perform the read operation on the reference frame line during the synchronization time.

[0089] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can send encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface. For example, the second image sensor 110B can identify the transmission time of the encoded first parameter information as a reference time and identify the offset time based on the encoded first parameter information.

[0090] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can transmit information about the region of interest to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface. For example, the second image sensor 110B can identify the transmission time of the information about the region of interest as a reference time, and identify an offset time based on the information about the region of interest.

[0091] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can transmit a synchronization signal along with encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface. For example, the first image sensor 110A can sequentially transmit the synchronization signal and encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via the third interface. In this case, the second image sensor 110B can identify the transmission time of the synchronization signal as a reference time (or reference time point) and identify the offset time according to the encoded first parameter information.

[0092] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can send a synchronization signal to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface at each reference time. In other words, the synchronization signal can be sent periodically. In at least one example embodiment, the reference time can be a unit of time used to capture one image frame. For example, the reference time can be the reciprocal of the frame rate. However, the reference time is not limited to this and can vary.

[0093] For example, a synchronization signal can be periodically transmitted at each first reference time, and encoded first parameter information can be periodically transmitted at each second reference time that is longer than the first reference time. Alternatively, in another example embodiment, a synchronization signal can be periodically transmitted at each first reference time, and the encoded first parameter information can be transmitted only once. Specifically, the first image sensor 110A can transmit a synchronization signal to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface without encoded first parameter information. In these cases, the second image sensor 110B can identify the transmission time of the synchronization signal as the synchronization time. Then, the first image sensor 110A can transmit the synchronization signal and the encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via the third interface. In these cases, the second image sensor 110B can identify the transmission time of the synchronization signal as the reference time and identify the offset time based on the encoded first parameter information.

[0094] In another example embodiment, the synchronization signal may be transmitted periodically at each reference time along with encoded first parameter information. In a particular example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may transmit the synchronization signal and encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface at each reference time. For example, the synchronization signal and encoded first parameter information may be transmitted periodically and sequentially within the same time period.

[0095] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can transmit a synchronization signal along with information about the region of interest to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface. For example, the first image sensor 110A can sequentially transmit the synchronization signal and information about the region of interest to the second image sensor 110B via the third interface. The second image sensor 110B can identify the transmission time of the synchronization signal as a reference time and identify the offset time based on the information about the region of interest.

[0096] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can send a synchronization signal to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface at each reference time.

[0097] For example, a synchronization signal can be periodically transmitted at each first reference time, and information about the region of interest can be periodically transmitted at each second reference time that is longer than the first reference time. Meanwhile, in another example embodiment, a synchronization signal can be periodically transmitted at each first reference time, and information about the region of interest can be transmitted only once. Specifically, the first image sensor 110A can transmit a synchronization signal to the second image sensor 110B via a third interface without information about the region of interest. In this case, the second image sensor 110B can identify the transmission time of the synchronization signal as the synchronization time. Afterwards, the first image sensor 110A can transmit the synchronization signal and information about the region of interest to the second image sensor 110B via the third interface. In these cases, the second image sensor 110B can identify the transmission time of the synchronization signal as the reference time and identify the offset time based on the information about the region of interest.

[0098] In another example embodiment, a synchronization signal along with information about the region of interest can be periodically transmitted at each reference time. For example, the synchronization signal and the information about the region of interest can be transmitted periodically and sequentially within the same time period. In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 can send a setting change request to the first image sensor 110A via the first channel CH1 for changing parameter settings based on user input.

[0099] When a setting change request is received after receiving the first parameter information from the processor 120, in operation S511, the first image sensor 110A can change its parameter settings according to the setting change request. In other words, the first image sensor 110A can receive new first parameter information after receiving the first parameter information from the processor 120. The first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information containing the new first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B through the common node CCH.

[0100] In this embodiment, the processor 120 may periodically send parameter information to the first image sensor 110A.

[0101] In this embodiment, the first interface 19A of the first image sensor 110A can receive first parameter information from the processor 120 at a first time. The first interface 19A of the first image sensor 110A can receive second parameter information from the processor 120 at a second time. The second time may be different from the first time. For example, the second time may be a time after the first time. Here, the first parameter information may include information about parameters of the first image sensor 110A to be set or modified. Here, the second parameter information may include information about parameters of the first image sensor 110A (or the second image sensor 110B) to be set or modified.

[0102] In an embodiment, the second interface of the first image sensor 110A (e.g., Figure 1C The third interface 23A can send second parameter information or information about the second parameter information to the second image sensor 110B at a third time. The third time can be a time after the first time or a time after the second time. The information about the first parameter information can include attributes or metadata of the first parameter information.

[0103] In an embodiment, the second interface of the first image sensor 110A (e.g., Figure 1C The third interface 23A can send second parameter information or information about the second parameter information to the second image sensor 110B at a fourth time. The fourth time may be different from the third time. For example, the fourth time may be a time after the third time. The information about the second parameter information may include attributes or metadata of the second parameter information.

[0104] Figure 6A It is a diagram used to explain the synchronization time of the first image sensor and the second image sensor according to at least one example embodiment. Figure 6B This is a diagram used to explain a method for determining synchronization time according to at least one example embodiment.

[0105] refer to Figure 6A The electronic device 100 may include a first image sensor 110A and a second image sensor 110B. In at least one example embodiment, the electronic device 100 may also include a processor 120.

[0106] The first image sensor 110A can sequentially expose and read multiple first pixel groups in order to obtain the first image of the Nth frame.

[0107] Specifically, exposure operations for the first pixel groups to be read in a first order can begin at a first time point t1. At a third time point t3, after an exposure time elapsed from the first time point t1, the exposure operations for the first pixel groups in the first order can be completed. Exposure operations for the remaining first pixel groups in the plurality of first pixel groups can be executed sequentially according to the first method. However, this is an example embodiment, and according to the second method, exposure operations for multiple first pixel groups can begin simultaneously. Then, at the third time point t3, reading operations for the first pixel groups in the first order can begin. When the reading operations for the first pixel groups in the first sequence are completed, reading operations for the first pixel groups in the second sequence begin, and so on. Executing the reading operations for the first pixel groups sequentially allows obtaining the first image of the Nth frame. Simultaneously, regarding the first selected pixel group among the plurality of first pixel groups, reading operation 611 can be performed according to the reading sequence number after exposure operation 612 can be performed. In at least one example embodiment, the first selected pixel group can be the first pixel group of interest, which corresponds to the average value of the rows of multiple first pixel groups of interest corresponding to the region of interest of the first image.

[0108] The first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information S2 to the second image sensor 110B via a common node CCH. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can periodically send the synchronization information S2 to the second image sensor 110B. The period can vary in various ways, such as 1 frame unit, 2 frame units, etc. In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization information S2 may include a synchronization signal and encoded information.

[0109] In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization information S2 may contain a value indicating the order (or time) of reading the first selected pixel group. For this purpose, the first image sensor 110A may select one of a plurality of first pixel groups as the first selected pixel group based on the region of interest (ROI) of the first image. In at least one example embodiment, the ROI may be a preset region. For example, the ROI may be preset to the center region of the first image. Specifically, if the frame size height of the first image is 1000, a region of a specific size based on a horizontal line with a height of 500 may be set as the ROI. In this case, the first pixel group of the row corresponding to the height of 500 may be selected as the first selected pixel group. In this case, the reading sequence number of the first selected pixel group may be 500.

[0110] The first image sensor 110A can determine the time point for reading the first selected pixel group based on the order in which the first selected pixel group is to be read, and send synchronization information. For example, if the reading sequence number of the first selected pixel group is n, the first image sensor 110A can calculate the time by adding the offset time to the time obtained by multiplying the readout time by n. The offset time can be the time from the time point of sending the synchronization information to the time point of reading the first pixel group in the first order. For example, the time point of sending the synchronization information can be a first time point t1, and the time point at which the first reading operation is performed can be a third time point t3. The first image sensor 110A can determine the time point for reading the first selected pixel group as the time point from the time point of sending the synchronization information when n times the readout time plus the offset time has elapsed. For example, the time point for reading the first selected pixel group can be a fifth time point t5. In at least one example embodiment, the offset time can be the exposure time, but it can also be transformed into different time values ​​and implemented.

[0111] The second image sensor 110B can sequentially read multiple second pixel groups to obtain a second image of the Nth frame. In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B can receive synchronization information S2 from the first image sensor 110A via a common node CCH. The second image sensor 110B can sequentially read multiple second pixel groups such that, based on the synchronization information S2, a second selected pixel group corresponding to the first selected pixel group is read simultaneously. In at least one example embodiment, the second selected pixel group may be a second pixel group having rows that correspond to the average rows of the multiple second pixel groups. In other words, the second selected pixel group may correspond to a horizontal line located at the center of the second image. However, this is only an example embodiment, and the second selected pixel group can be selected from the multiple second pixel groups of interest corresponding to the region of interest of the second image.

[0112] Specifically, the second image sensor 110B can control the timing for performing exposure and readout operations based on the synchronization information S2. In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization information S2 may contain information about the order (or time) of reading the first selected pixel group. For example, if the time for reading the first selected pixel group is a fifth time point t5, the second image sensor 110B can control the timing of the exposure and readout operations for the second selected pixel group corresponding to the first selected pixel group among a plurality of second pixel groups so that it is read at the fifth time point t5. Specifically, for example, regarding the second pixel group among a plurality of second pixel groups to be read in a first order, the timing can be controlled so that the exposure operation begins at the second time point t2 and the readout operation begins at the fourth time point t4. Therefore, while performing the readout operation 611 on the first selected pixel group of the first image sensor 110A, the readout operation on the second selected pixel group of the second image sensor 110B can be performed simultaneously. Meanwhile, the synchronization information S2 may include information that directly represents time, or may include indirect information through which time is calculated. In the latter case, the calculation process can be performed by the second image sensor 110B. Referring below... Figure 6B Describe the method used to calculate synchronization time.

[0113] refer to Figure 6B In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization information may include information about a value (n) indicating the order in which a first selected pixel group among a plurality of first pixel groups is read.

[0114] In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B may expose a second pixel group of a plurality of second pixel groups to be read in a first order from a time point based on the difference between a first value (n) indicating the order of reading a first selected pixel group and a second value (m) indicating the order of reading a second selected pixel group among a plurality of second pixel groups. For example, the first value may be the value (n) indicating the reading order of the first selected pixel group multiplied by a first readout time Tr_A, and the second value may be the value (m) indicating the reading order of the second selected pixel group multiplied by a second readout time Tr_B.

[0115] In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization information may further include information about the offset time To and the first readout time Tr_A for reading one of the plurality of first pixel groups. For example, the offset time To may be a time period from the point in time when the synchronization information is sent to the point in time when the read operation for the first pixel group to be read in a first order among the plurality of first pixel groups begins. Here, the point in time when the synchronization information is sent may be a first time point t1. The point in time when the read operation for the first pixel group to be read in the first order begins may be a third time point t3. Simultaneously, the synchronization information may be sent at the third time point t3. In this case, the offset time may be omitted from the synchronization information.

[0116] In at least one example embodiment, the offset time To can be the exposure time. The exposure time can be the time to expose one of a plurality of first pixel groups. In this case, synchronization information can be sent via the common node CCH at the start time point of exposure of the first pixel groups to be read in a first order among the plurality of first pixel groups. For example, the start time point for exposing the first pixel group can be a first time point t1.

[0117] In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B can obtain a first value based on a value (n) indicating the order of reading the first selected pixel group from the synchronization information, a first readout time Tr_A, and an offset time To. For example, the first value could be obtained by multiplying the value (n) indicating the order or sequence number of reading the first selected pixel group by the first readout time Tr_A, and then adding the offset time to it. As another example, the first value could be obtained by subtracting 1 from the value (n) indicating the order of reading the first selected pixel group; multiplying by the first readout time Tr_A; and adding the offset time To.

[0118] In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B may obtain a second value based on a value (m) indicating the order in which second pixel groups corresponding to the first selected pixel group are read, a second readout time Tr_B when reading one of the plurality of second pixel groups, and an exposure time Te_B when exposing one of the plurality of second pixel groups. For example, the second value may be the value (m) indicating the order in which the second selected pixel groups are read multiplied by the second readout time Tr_B. In another example embodiment, the second value may be a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value (m) indicating the order in which the second selected pixel groups are read, and then multiplying it by the readout time Tr_B.

[0119] In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B can expose a plurality of second pixel groups to be read in a first order, starting from a time point corresponding to the difference between the first value and the second value. Here, the time point corresponding to the difference between the first value and the second value can be a second time point t2. In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B may include a synchronization controller, and the synchronization controller can obtain the aforementioned first value, second value, and difference.

[0120] In at least one example embodiment, the first readout time Tr_A of the first image sensor 110A may be the same as the second readout time Tr_B of the second image sensor 110B. In these cases, the first readout time Tr_A may be omitted from the synchronization information.

[0121] In another example embodiment, the first readout time Tr_A of the first image sensor 110A can be pre-stored in the second image sensor 110B. In these cases, the first readout time Tr_A can be omitted from the synchronization information.

[0122] refer to Figure 6A The first image sensor 110A can acquire a first image at frame N, and then, as time elapses based on the frame rate, the first image sensor 110A can sequentially expose and read multiple first pixel groups to acquire a first image at frame N+1. After acquiring the second image at frame N, the second image sensor 110B can sequentially expose and read multiple second pixel groups as time elapses based on the frame rate to acquire a second image at frame N+1.

[0123] In at least one example embodiment, when a setting change request S1 is received from the processor 120 via the first channel CH1, the first image sensor 110A can change its settings according to the setting change request. For example, the setting change request could be a request to change the height of the frame size to a smaller size. Compared to the case of the first image of the Nth frame, the number of first pixel groups that need to be read to obtain the first image of the N+1th frame can be reduced, and the order of the first selected pixel groups can be read in advance.

[0124] In these cases, the first image sensor 110A can determine the entire first pixel group to be read, as well as the first selected pixel group from the first pixel group of interest corresponding to the region of interest, based on the height of the frame size of the first image in the (N+1)th frame. Reflecting the changing order of reading the first selected pixel group, the first image sensor 110A in the (N+1)th frame can send new synchronization information S2 to the second image sensor 110B via the common node CCH. In a similar manner to the Nth frame, the first image sensor 110A can begin exposing at least one of the multiple first pixel groups at the sixth time point t6, and can sequentially begin reading operations on the multiple first pixel groups at the eighth time point t8 after the exposure ends. Here, the first selected pixel group can perform exposure operation 622, and then perform reading operation 621 according to the reading sequence number at the tenth time point t10.

[0125] When the second image sensor 110B receives synchronization information S2 from the first image sensor 110A via the common node CCH, it can control the timing of exposure and readout operations for multiple second pixel groups based on the synchronization information S2. For example, if the time for reading the first selected pixel group is the tenth time point t10, the second image sensor 110B can control the timing of the exposure and readout operations for multiple second pixel groups so that the second selected pixel group corresponding to the first selected pixel group is read at the tenth time point t10.

[0126] In a specific example, timing can be controlled so that the exposure operation of the second pixel group to be read first among multiple second pixel groups begins at time point t7, and the reading operation begins at time point t9. Therefore, while the reading operation 621 is performed on the first selected pixel group, the reading operation can be performed on the second selected pixel group corresponding to the first selected pixel group at the same time.

[0127] According to some example embodiments, the time length between the start of reading operation by the first image sensor 110A and the start of reading operation by the second image sensor 110B can be variable. For example, for the Nth frame, the time period or length is the time period between the third time point t3 and the fourth time point t4, and for the N+1th frame, the time period can be changed to the time period between the eighth time point t8 and the ninth time point t9.

[0128] Figure 7 It is a diagram used to explain the synchronization time when the region of interest changes according to at least one example embodiment.

[0129] refer to Figure 7 The first image sensor 110A may also include a region of interest tracker 15 (see Figure 13The region of interest tracker 15 can track the region of interest in the first image. The region of interest tracker 15 can track objects or change the region of interest based on tracking or received user input. For example, the region of interest can change as an object moves within the image. As another example, the region of interest can be changed via user input.

[0130] In at least one example embodiment, the first pixel array may include a plurality of first pixel groups, and the plurality of first pixel groups may include first pixel groups from the first row to the 2nth row. Based on the location of the region of interest, the first selected pixel group may be one of the first pixel groups from the first row to the 2nth row. Here, the first pixel group in the first row may correspond to the top horizontal line of the image, and the first pixel group in the 2nth row may correspond to the bottom horizontal line of the image.

[0131] In at least one example embodiment, the region of interest tracker 15 of the first image sensor 110A can track objects in the image of the Nth frame and can change the region of interest based on the position of the objects. The synchronization controller 12 of the first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information S2 through the common node CCH, which indicates the time point at which to read a first selected group of pixels based on the changed region of interest.

[0132] The second image sensor 110B can perform synchronization when acquiring the second image in the (N+1)th frame after N frames, based on the received synchronization information. The second image sensor 110B can read a second selected pixel group simultaneously with a first selected pixel group. In at least one example embodiment, the second selected pixel group may be a group of second pixels having rows that average with the rows of a plurality of second pixel groups. In other words, the second selected pixel group may correspond to a horizontal line located at the center of the second image.

[0133] For example, when the first pixel group of the first row is selected as the first selected pixel group, the first selected pixel group can perform an exposure operation 711 at a first time point t1 and a readout operation 712 at a fourth time point t4. In this case, the second image sensor 110B can control the timing so that a readout operation is performed for the second selected pixel group at the fourth time point t4.

[0134] For example, when the first pixel group in the 2nth row is selected as the first selected pixel group, an exposure operation 721 can be performed on the first selected pixel group, and a readout operation 722 can be performed at the fifth time point t5. In this case, the second image sensor 110B can control the timing so that a readout operation is performed on the second selected pixel group at the fifth time point t5.

[0135] Figure 8It is a diagram used to explain the pixel group based on the region of interest according to at least one example embodiment.

[0136] refer to Figure 8 The pixel array 810 may include multiple pixel groups R1 to R9 divided into multiple rows. Each pixel group may include multiple pixels separated by multiple pixel columns. The multiple pixel groups may include a pixel group of interest 820. The pixel group of interest 820 may be a pixel group corresponding to a region of interest in the image. The pixel group of interest 820 corresponding to the region of interest may indicate the relationship that pixel values ​​read from the pixel group of interest are included in the region of interest. Meanwhile, the description of the pixel array 810 can be equivalently applied to both the first image sensor and the second image sensor.

[0137] The selected pixel group can be a pixel group selected from multiple pixel groups of interest 820 using row 830 of multiple pixel groups of interest 820.

[0138] In at least one example embodiment, the image sensor can select a pixel group from the row with the row average value of the pixel group 820 of interest as the selected pixel group. For example, the plurality of pixel groups 820 of interest may include pixel groups R4 from the fourth row to pixel groups R6 from the sixth row. The row average value may be the average of the row numbers. In this case, the row average value may be 5, which is a value calculated as (4+5+6) / 3. Furthermore, the pixel group R5 from the fifth row corresponding to the lower average value may be selected as the selected pixel group. In other words, the selected pixel group may be the pixel group corresponding to the center among the plurality of pixel groups of interest. Meanwhile, if there is a decimal point in the row average, the pixel group can be selected by rounding, rounding up, or rounding down.

[0139] In another example embodiment, among a plurality of pixel groups of interest, the image sensor may select the pixel group in the row corresponding to the lowest number as the selected pixel group. In another example embodiment, among a plurality of pixel groups of interest, the image sensor may select the pixel group in the row corresponding to the highest number as the selected pixel group. The described example embodiments are merely examples, and a single pixel group may be selected in various ways.

[0140] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to explain at least one example embodiment of changing the second selected pixel group according to at least one example embodiment.

[0141] refer to Figure 9 In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may include a first pixel array comprising a plurality of first pixel groups. The second image sensor 110B may include a second pixel array comprising a plurality of second pixel groups.

[0142] The first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information S2 to the second image sensor 110B via the common node CCH. Synchronization information S2 can indicate the time point at which to read the first selected pixel group. In at least one example embodiment, upon receiving synchronization information S2, the second image sensor 110B can perform synchronization when acquiring an image of a frame with the same sequence number, or when acquiring an image of a frame with the next sequence number. In at least one example embodiment, synchronization can be performed in the (N+1)th frame.

[0143] In at least one example embodiment, the first selected pixel group may be the first pixel group to be read last in a plurality of first pixel groups to be read sequentially. The second selected pixel group may be the second pixel group to be read last in a plurality of second pixel groups to be read sequentially. In at least one example embodiment, the timing of performing the last read operation may be determined by the first image sensor 110A or by the processor 120.

[0144] For example, when multiple first pixel groups include first pixel groups from the first row to the 2nth row, the first pixel group to be read in the last order can be the first pixel group from the 2nth row. Similarly, when multiple second pixel groups include second pixel groups from the first row to the 2mth row, the second pixel group to be read in the last order can be the second pixel group from the 2mth row. Specifically, for example, at least one of the multiple first pixel groups can begin exposure at a fourth time point t4, then the first pixel group from the first row can be read in a first order at a fifth time point t5, and the first pixel group from the 2nth row can be read in the last order at an eighth time point t8. Simultaneously, the second image sensor 110B can control timing according to the synchronization information S2 so that exposure begins at a sixth time point t6 for at least one of the multiple second pixel groups, then the second pixel group from the first row is read in a first order at a seventh time point t7, and the second pixel group from the 2mth row is read in the last order at an eighth time point t8.

[0145] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to explain the pre-monitoring operation of a second image sensor according to at least one example embodiment.

[0146] In at least one example embodiment, the processor 120 may send a boot command S3 to the second image sensor 110B. For example, the processor 120 may send the boot command S3 to the second image sensor 110B via the second channel CH2. The boot command S3 may be a command that controls the image sensor to perform a boot operation. For example, the boot operation may be an operation that powers on the image sensor, which is in a powered-off state, and prepares the image sensor to capture an image. Image capture may be restricted during the boot operation.

[0147] The second image sensor 110B can monitor whether synchronization information S2 is received while performing the startup operation. For example, the second image sensor 110B can perform the startup operation during the startup time from the first time point t1 to the fourth time point t4. If power is supplied during startup, the second image sensor 110B can monitor whether synchronization information is received.

[0148] In at least one example embodiment, upon startup, the second image sensor 110B can receive synchronization information S2 via the public node CCH.

[0149] The second image sensor 110B can acquire a second image by sequentially reading multiple second pixel groups, so that, after a time Tf corresponding to the frame rate of the second image sensor 110B, a second selected pixel group is read at the time point when the first selected pixel group is read, based on the synchronization information S2 received during the startup operation. According to the synchronization information S2, the time point for reading the first selected pixel group can be a fifth time point t5.

[0150] For example, the first image sensor 110A may begin exposure operations for at least one of a plurality of first pixel groups at a second time point t2, and sequentially begin readout operations for the plurality of first pixel groups at a third time point t3. The first image sensor 110A may send synchronization information S2 through a common node CCH. The synchronization information S2 may contain information indicating the time point (or order or sequence number) for reading the first selected pixel group.

[0151] Simultaneously, the second image sensor 110B can receive synchronization information S2 through the common node CCH at the second time point t2 during the start operation. The second image sensor 110B can obtain a fifth time point t5, which is the time to read the first selected pixel group according to the synchronization information S2. When the exposure and readout operations are performed from the fourth time point t4, which is the expected end time of the start operation, the second image sensor 110B can compare the expected time point for reading the second selected pixel group corresponding to the first selected pixel group with the fifth time point t5.

[0152] For example, as a comparison result, if the difference between two time points is less than the reference value, the second image sensor 110B can perform exposure and readout operations from the fourth time point t4 to obtain the second image of the Nth frame.

[0153] For example, as a result of the comparison, if the difference between two time points is greater than a reference value, the second image sensor (110B) can skip the Nth frame. To obtain the second image of the (N+1)th frame of the next sequence, the second image sensor 110B can adjust the timing of the exposure and readout operations for multiple second pixel groups, such that the second selected pixel group is read at a seventh time point t7, which is after a time Tf corresponding to the frame rate of the second image sensor 110B from the fifth time point t5. Meanwhile, in the case of the first image sensor 110A, depending on the frame rate, the exposure and readout operations for the (N+1)th frame can be omitted.

[0154] In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization information S2 may further include information about the frame rate of the first image sensor 110A. Here, the synchronization information S2 may be generated by the first image sensor 110A based on the region of interest of the first image in the Nth frame. The second image sensor 110B can obtain a second image by sequentially reading a plurality of second pixel groups, so that, according to the synchronization information S2 received during the start-up operation, the second selected pixel group is read after a time 2Tf corresponding to the frame rate of the first image sensor 110A from the time point when the first selected pixel group was read. Here, the time point may be the fifth time point t5 when the first selected pixel group is read according to the synchronization information S2. In order to obtain the second image of the next sequential N+2th frame, the timing of the exposure operation and the reading operation of the plurality of second pixel groups can be controlled so that the second selected pixel group is read at the tenth time point t10 after a time 2Tf corresponding to the frame rate of the first image sensor 110A from the fifth time point t5. In this case, the first selected pixel group and the second selected pixel group can be read synchronously at the tenth time point t10.

[0155] In another example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can generate synchronization information S2 based on the region of interest of the first image in the N+2th frame, and send the synchronization information S2 through the common node CCH. The second image sensor 110B can identify, based on the synchronization information S2 received after the start operation, that the time point for reading the first selected pixel group is the tenth time point t10. The second image sensor 110B can control the timing of the exposure and reading operations of multiple second pixel groups so as to read the second selected pixel group at the tenth time point t10.

[0156] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device comprising three or more image sensors according to at least one example embodiment. Figure 12 It is used for explanation Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device.

[0157] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 According to at least one example embodiment, electronic device 100 may include a first image sensor 110A through a third image sensor 110C and a processor 120. The description for the second image sensor 110B can also be applied to the third image sensor 110C. The third image sensor 110C may include a third pixel array comprising a plurality of third pixel groups divided into multiple rows.

[0158] In at least one example embodiment, the third image sensor 110C can receive synchronization information S2 from the first image sensor 110A. In at least one example embodiment, the third image sensor 110C can receive a synchronization signal and encoded first parameter information from the first image sensor 110A. For example, the first image sensor 110A can send the synchronization signal and encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor 110B and the third image sensor 110C. The second image sensor 110B and the third image sensor 110C can receive the synchronization signal and encoded first parameter information from the first image sensor 110A simultaneously or at different times.

[0159] In at least one example embodiment, the third image sensor 110C may have a third FOV that is different from the first FOV of the first image sensor 110A and different from the second FOV of the second image sensor 110B. However, this is only an example, and the FOV of at least one of the first image sensor 110A and / or the second image sensor 110B and the FOV of the third image sensor 110C may be all the same or may be modified differently.

[0160] Processor 120 can be connected to one of the first image sensors 110A to the third image sensor 110C via each channel (first channel CH1 to third channel CH3). For example, first image sensor 110A may include a first interface connected to processor 120 via first channel CH1. Second image sensor 110B may include a second interface connected to processor 120 via second channel CH2. Third image sensor 110C may include a third interface connected to processor 120 via third channel CH3.

[0161] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A to the third image sensor 110C can be connected to each other via a common node CCH. The first image sensor 110A is configured to send a synchronization signal (or synchronization information S2) via the common node CCH. The second image sensor 110B and the third image sensor 110C can receive the synchronization signal (or synchronization information S2) via the common node CCH. In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may also include a fourth interface connected to the second image sensor 110B and the third image sensor 110C via the common node CCH.

[0162] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may further include a fourth interface connected to the second image sensor 110B via a common node CCH and a fifth interface connected to the third image sensor 110C via a different channel. The fifth interface may be configured with a different communication channel than the fourth interface. In this case, the first image sensor 110A can send a synchronization signal (or synchronization information S2) to the third image sensor 110C through the fifth interface, which is different from the fourth interface.

[0163] In at least one example embodiment, the synchronization information S2 may include the address of each of the second image sensor 110B and the third image sensor 110C, and the offset time corresponding to each address of the second image sensor 110B and the third image sensor 110C. In this case, the first image sensor 110A can send the synchronization information S2 for multiple image sensors once through the common node CCH.

[0164] In at least one example embodiment, when synchronization information S2 is received via the common node CCH, the second image sensor 110B can sequentially expose multiple second pixel groups after an offset time corresponding to the address of the second image sensor 110B. When synchronization information S2 is received via the common node CCH, the third image sensor 110C can sequentially expose multiple third pixel groups after an offset time corresponding to the address of the third image sensor 110C.

[0165] In another example, the second image sensor 110B can sequentially read multiple second pixel groups so that, upon receiving synchronization information S2 via the common node CCH, after an offset time corresponding to the address of the second image sensor 110B, it reads the second selected pixel group from the multiple second pixel groups that corresponds to the first selected pixel group. Similarly, upon receiving synchronization information S2 via the common node CCH, the third image sensor 110C can sequentially read multiple third pixel groups so that, after an offset time corresponding to the address of the third image sensor 110C, it reads the third selected pixel group from the multiple third pixel groups that corresponds to the first selected pixel group.

[0166] In another example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can transmit synchronization information S2 for one image sensor sequentially via a common node CCH with a time difference. For example, the first image sensor 110A can transmit synchronization information S2 including the offset time of the second image sensor 110B via the common node CCH. After a certain period of time, the first image sensor 110A can transmit synchronization information S2 including the offset time of the third image sensor 110C via the common node CCH. Here, the second image sensor 110B can perform exposure and readout operations based on the first received synchronization information S2. The third image sensor 110C can perform exposure and readout operations based on the second received synchronization information S2.

[0167] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to at least one example embodiment.

[0168] refer to Figure 13 The electronic device 100 may include a first image sensor 110A, a second image sensor 110B, and a processor 120. The first image sensor 110A can send synchronization information to the second image sensor 110B via a common node CCH. The first image sensor 110A can receive control commands from the processor 120 via a first host channel CH1a. The first image sensor 110A can send a first image to the processor 120 via a first output channel CH1b. Furthermore, at least some of the descriptions relating to the first image sensor 110A can be applied to the second image sensor 110B.

[0169] The first image sensor 110A may include a pixel array 11 and a synchronization controller 12. According to at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A may also include at least one of an encoder 13, a decoder 14, a region of interest tracker 15, a multiplexer 16, a CPU 17, a memory 18, a host interface 19, an ADC 20, an image signal processor 21, and an output interface 22.

[0170] Synchronization controller 12 is configured to generate synchronization information. Synchronization controller 12 can control the output of the synchronization information. In at least one example embodiment, synchronization controller 12 can control encoder 13 or decoder 14, or transmit and receive information. Encoder 13 can convert digital synchronization information to analog format. Decoder 14 can convert analog synchronization information to digital format. Synchronization controller 12 can control multiplexer 16 to switch between transmitting and receiving synchronization information. Synchronization controller 12 can control the operating timing of pixel array 11 based on the received synchronization information.

[0171] The region of interest tracker 15 is configured to track regions of interest in the image. In at least one example embodiment, when the position of the region of interest within the first image changes, the synchronization controller 12 may output synchronization information indicating the time to read a first selected pixel group from a plurality of first pixel groups corresponding to the region of interest at the changed position.

[0172] CPU 17 is configured to control the overall operation of the first image sensor 110A. CPU 17 can execute image processing algorithms or manage communication with other devices.

[0173] The memory 18 is configured to store data. For example, the memory 18 may store a first image, intermediate data of the first image, image processing algorithms and / or programs.

[0174] The host interface 19 is configured as an interface for communication between the first image sensor 110A and the processor 120. The host interface 19 can receive control commands from the processor 120 via the first host channel CH1a.

[0175] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 20 is configured to convert analog signals into digital data. Analog signals output from pixels included in the pixel array 11 can be converted into digital data. For example, the analog signal can be the output voltage of a pixel, and the digital data can be pixel values. The first image can be a set of pixel values.

[0176] Image signal processor 21 is configured to process or analyze the first image. Image signal processor 21 may extract features from the first image or perform post-processing operations on the first image to improve image quality.

[0177] Output interface 22 can output the first image of the first image sensor 110A to an external device. Output interface 22 can send the first image to the processor 120 or a display via the first output channel CH1b.

[0178] Figure 14This is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an electronic device according to at least one example embodiment.

[0179] refer to Figures 1A-1C and Figure 14 The electronic device 100 may include a first image sensor 110A and a second image sensor 110B. The first image sensor 110A includes a plurality of first pixel groups divided into multiple rows, and the second image sensor 110B includes a plurality of second pixel groups divided into multiple rows.

[0180] According to at least one example embodiment, a method for controlling an electronic device 100 includes operations S1410 and S1420, wherein in operation S1410, synchronization information is identified, the synchronization information indicating the time for reading a first selected pixel group selected from a plurality of first pixel groups corresponding to a region of interest of a first image; and in operation S1420, based on the synchronization information, a plurality of second pixel groups are sequentially read so that, while reading the first selected pixel group, a second selected pixel group corresponding to the first selected pixel group is read from the plurality of second pixel groups.

[0181] In at least one example embodiment, the operation S1410, in which synchronization information is identified, can be performed by either the first image sensor 110A or the second image sensor 110B.

[0182] In at least one example embodiment, the first image sensor 110A can identify (or generate) synchronization information before acquiring the first image. Here, the first image may be an image of the Nth frame.

[0183] In at least one example embodiment, synchronization information can be generated based on the region of interest (ROI) of the first image. In this case, the ROI can be a region selected from the first image corresponding to a frame preceding the Nth frame, a region selected by user input, or a preset region. In at least one example embodiment, at least one ROI can be selected from a plurality of ROI groups. A ROI group having rows corresponding to horizontal lines included in the ROI can be selected as the ROI group. When multiple ROI groups exist, one of the multiple ROI groups can be selected as the first selected ROI group. For example, the ROI group having the largest row number, the smallest row number, or the average of the row numbers can be selected as the first selected ROI group. However, the description is merely an example embodiment, and one of various undescribed methods can be chosen. The synchronization information may include information indicating the time for reading the first selected ROI group.

[0184] In at least one example embodiment, the method of controlling the electronic device 100 may further include transmitting synchronization information from a first image sensor 110A to a second image sensor 110B. The first image sensor 110A may transmit the synchronization information to the second image sensor 110B via a common node CCH. Simultaneously, the first image sensor 110A may periodically generate synchronization information. The first image sensor 110A may periodically transmit the synchronization information to the second image sensor 110B via the common node CCH.

[0185] In at least one example embodiment, the second image sensor 110B can identify synchronization information. The second image sensor 110B can periodically identify whether synchronization information has been received. The second image sensor 110B can identify the time point for performing a read operation on a second selected pixel group using the synchronization information received via the common node CCH. The second selected pixel group can be a second pixel group corresponding to the first selected pixel group among a plurality of second pixel groups.

[0186] According to at least one example embodiment, by using synchronization information from image sensors, the operating timing of other image sensors can be precisely controlled without external processor intervention. When image sensor settings change, the operating timing of other image sensors can be adjusted in real time. Latency in the readout operations of other image sensors can be minimized.

[0187] The apparatus according to the above example embodiments may include a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, a permanent storage device such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with external devices, and a user interface device such as a touch panel, keys, and buttons. A method implemented as a software module or algorithm is computer-readable code or program instructions executable on a processor and stored on a computer-readable recording medium. Here, computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), floppy disks, and hard disks) and optically readable media (e.g., CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs)). The computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across a network-connected computer system, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The medium can be computer-readable, stored in memory, and executed on a processor.

[0188] The example embodiments can be represented by functional block elements and various processing steps. Functional blocks can be implemented in any number of hardware and / or software configurations that perform a specific function. For example, at least one example embodiment can employ an integrated circuit configuration, such as memory, processing, logic, and / or lookup tables, which can perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similar elements can be implemented as software programming or software elements, and the example embodiments can be implemented in programming or scripting languages ​​(such as C, C++, Java, assembler, etc.), including various algorithms implemented as combinations of data structures, procedures, routines, or other programming constructs. Functional aspects can be implemented in algorithms that run on one or more processors. Furthermore, the example embodiments can employ existing techniques for electronic environment setup, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as “mechanism,” “element,” “part,” and “configuration” can be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical elements. Terms can include the meaning of a series of software routines associated with processors, etc.

[0189] The above example embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A first image sensor, comprising: a first interface configured to receive first parameter information from a processor; an encoder configured to encode the first parameter information; and a second interface configured to send the encoded first parameter information to a second image sensor, wherein the first image sensor is configured to provide a first field of view (FOV) and the second image sensor is configured to provide a second FOV, and wherein the processor is included in a first chip and the second image sensor is included in a second chip.

2. The first image sensor of claim 1, wherein, the second interface is further configured to send a synchronization signal to the second image sensor with the encoded first parameter information.

3. The first image sensor of claim 2, wherein, the second interface is further configured to send the synchronization signal to the second image sensor at each reference time.

4. The first image sensor of claim 2, wherein, the second interface is further configured to send the synchronization signal and the encoded first parameter information to the second image sensor at each reference time.

5. The first image sensor of claim 2, wherein, the second interface is further configured to send the synchronization signal and the encoded first parameter information to a third image sensor.

6. The first image sensor of claim 2, further comprising: a third interface configured to send the synchronization signal and the encoded first parameter information to a third image sensor.

7. The first image sensor of claim 1, wherein, the first parameter information includes at least one of a frame size, a frame line length, a frame rate, an exposure time, or a readout time.

8. The first image sensor of claim 1, wherein, the first FOV is larger than the second FOV.

9. The first image sensor of claim 1, wherein, the first parameter information is related to a region of interest of the first image sensor.

10. The first image sensor of claim 1, wherein, the first interface and the second interface are configured to send signals based on an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus.

11. The first image sensor of claim 1, wherein, the first interface and the second interface are configured to send signals based on a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) display serial interface.

12. A first image sensor, comprising: a first interface configured to receive first parameter information at a first time and second parameter information from a processor at a second time different from the first time; and a second interface configured to send the first parameter information or information about the first parameter information to a second image sensor at a third time and the second parameter information or information about the second parameter information to the second image sensor at a fourth time different from the third time, wherein, the first image sensor is configured to provide a first field of view (FOV) and the second image sensor is configured to provide a second FOV, and wherein the processor is included in a first chip and the second image sensor is included in a second chip.

13. The first image sensor of claim 12, wherein, the second interface is configured to send information about a region of interest of the first image sensor based on the first parameter information to the second image sensor.

14. The first image sensor of claim 13, wherein, the second interface is configured to send a synchronization signal to the second image sensor with the information about the region of interest.

15. The first image sensor of claim 14, wherein, the first parameter information includes a frame rate of the first image sensor.

16. The first image sensor of claim 15, wherein, the second interface is configured to send the synchronization signal to the second image sensor at each reference time corresponding to the frame rate.

17. The first image sensor of claim 15, wherein, The first parameter information further includes a length of a frame line.

18. The first image sensor of claim 12, wherein, The first interface and the second interface are configured to transmit signals based on an integrated circuit bus I2C.

19. The first image sensor of claim 12, wherein, The first interface and the second interface are configured to transmit signals based on a mobile industry processor interface MIPI display serial interface.

20. The first image sensor of claim 17, further comprising: an encoder configured to identify the region of interest based on the first parameter information and to generate the information about the region of interest indicative of the region of interest.

Images