Photoelectric conversion device

Abstract

To provide a photoelectric conversion device capable of more preferably executing a reduction of a power consumption in a processing circuit.SOLUTION: A photoelectric conversion device includes: a pixel array that is arranged over a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, and contains a plurality of pixel circuits which outputs a pixel signal based on an incident light; a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit that contain a data processing part for generating data by processing the pixel signal, respectively; an output pad; an output circuit that outputs the data to an external part of the photoelectric conversion device via the output pad; an event signal generation part that generates an event signal indicating the generation of an event; and a first power supply control part. The first power supply control part performs a control for setting the first power supply control part of the first processing circuit to any one of a plurality of states containing a first state and a second state where a power consumption is larger than that of the first state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a demand for reducing power consumption in photoelectric conversion devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a photoelectric conversion device having a function of stopping the power supply to an image sensor when the duration of a still state exceeds a predetermined time in a shooting mode for shooting moving images. Patent Document 2 discloses a photoelectric conversion device that transitions from a detection mode in which pixel signals of multiple pixels are added and read out to a normal mode in which pixel signals of each of the multiple pixels are read out when it is determined that a subject has changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-167029 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-027485 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A photoelectric conversion device capable of detecting the occurrence of an event may have a processing circuit that processes signals from a pixel array. In this case, reducing the power consumption of the processing circuit can be an issue.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric conversion device that can more suitably reduce power consumption in a processing circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one disclosure of the present specification, there is provided a photoelectric conversion device comprising: a pixel array including a plurality of pixel circuits arranged across a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each outputting a pixel signal based on incident light; a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit, each including a data processing unit that processes the pixel signals to generate data; an output pad; an output circuit that outputs the data to the outside of the photoelectric conversion device via the output pad; an event signal generating unit that generates an event signal indicating the occurrence of an event; and a first power supply control unit, wherein each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit has a first controlled-power-supply target circuit, and the first power supply control unit controls the first controlled-power-supply target circuit of the first processing circuit to be set to one of a plurality of states including a first state and a second state having greater power consumption than the first state based on the event signal. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a photoelectric conversion device capable of more suitably reducing power consumption in a processing circuit is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a photoelectric conversion device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a pixel array and an event detection unit of the photoelectric conversion device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating examples of designating targets for power cutoff in the photoelectric conversion device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a power supply control method for the photoelectric conversion device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a photoelectric conversion device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an event detection unit of a photoelectric conversion device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7]13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of designating targets for power cutoff in a photoelectric conversion device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a power supply control method for a photoelectric conversion device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements or corresponding elements in multiple drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted or simplified.

[0010] In the first and second embodiments described below, an event-based sensor that outputs information indicating the coordinates and time of a pixel where a luminance change has occurred will be mainly described as an example of a photoelectric conversion device. However, the photoelectric conversion device in each embodiment is not limited to the event-based sensor described above as long as it is capable of detecting an event signal indicating the occurrence of an event.

[0011] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a photoelectric conversion device 1 according to this embodiment. The photoelectric conversion device 1 has a pixel array 30 and processing circuits 10 and 20. The photoelectric conversion device 1 also has input terminals IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 and output terminals OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, and OUT4. Each of the input terminals IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 may be an input pad for inputting a control signal for power supply control from outside the photoelectric conversion device 1. Each of the output terminals OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, and OUT4 may be an output pad for outputting data to outside the photoelectric conversion device 1.

[0012] The processing circuit 10 (second processing circuit) has data processing units 111, 112, event detection units 121, 122, vertical scanning units 131, 132, power switches 141, 142, 143, 144, a power control unit 151, and output circuits 161, 162. The processing circuit 20 (first processing circuit) has data processing units 211, 212, event detection units 221, 222, vertical scanning units 231, 232, power switches 241, 242, 243, 244, a power control unit 251, and output circuits 261, 262. Each of the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20 is a signal processing circuit that processes a signal output from the pixel array 30 to generate digital data.

[0013] In this way, the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20 include circuit blocks with the same type of function. Therefore, the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20 may be formed on the same semiconductor substrate by a process including an exposure process using a common photomask. This can reduce the number of photomasks. In this case, the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20 can be rephrased as two exposure regions in which exposure is performed by the same photomask. Such a manufacturing method of the photoelectric conversion device 1 is sometimes called a division exposure method because it is a method in which one device is divided into a plurality of exposure regions and each exposure region is exposed individually. When the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20 are formed by the division exposure method, the semiconductor element included in the processing circuit 10 and the semiconductor element included in the processing circuit 20 have the same layout in a plan view.

[0014] The power supply control process of this embodiment includes transmission and reception of signals between the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20. Therefore, the semiconductor element included in the processing circuit 10 and the semiconductor element included in the processing circuit 20 can be electrically connected to each other by wiring provided in the wiring layer. The exposure for patterning the wiring layer is sometimes called a stitching exposure. The pattern of the photomask used in the stitching exposure is not the same between the area of ​​the processing circuit 10 and the area of ​​the processing circuit 20. Therefore, in at least one layer among the multiple wiring layers, the wiring in the area of ​​the processing circuit 10 and the wiring in the area of ​​the processing circuit 20 have different layouts. As a result, the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20 can perform different operations. In FIG. 1, the lines connecting each block indicate the connection relationship of the wiring formed by stitching exposure.

[0015] The divided exposure method is effective for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device having a large-area light receiving region such as a 35 mm full size. In the following description, the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20 of the photoelectric conversion device 1 are manufactured by the divided exposure method, but this is not limited to this.

[0016] The pixel array 30 may be, for example, a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The CMOS sensor may include an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) circuit. The pixel array 30 includes a plurality of pixel circuits 31 arranged across a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of pixel circuits 31 outputs a pixel signal based on incident light.

[0017] The pixel array 30 may be disposed on a semiconductor substrate separate from the processing circuits 10 and 20, or may be disposed on the same semiconductor substrate. When the pixel array 30 is disposed on a semiconductor substrate separate from the processing circuits 10 and 20, the two substrates may be stacked on top of each other. This configuration is effective in increasing the size of the light receiving region of the photoelectric conversion device 1, since it is possible to increase the area occupied by the pixel array 30.

[0018] Each pixel circuit 31 of the pixel array 30 may be provided with a color filter having a predetermined color arrangement. In the following description, the color arrangement of the color filters is assumed to be a Bayer arrangement. That is, the pixel circuits 31 may include pixel circuits 31 having sensitivity to light of each of the colors red (R), green (Gr, Gb), and blue (B). These pixel circuits 31 may also be referred to as an R pixel, a Gr pixel (a green pixel to the right of an R pixel), a B pixel, and a Gb pixel (a green pixel to the left of a B pixel).

[0019] Next, a more detailed description will be given of the internal circuits of the processing circuits 10 and 20. The data processing units 111, 112, 211 and 212 are circuits that receive digital data from the pixel array 30 and perform image processing.

[0020] The data processing unit 111 processes digital data output from the R pixels and B pixels arranged in the left half of the pixel array 30. The data processing unit 112 processes digital data output from the pixel circuits 31 of the Gr pixels and Gb pixels arranged in the left half of the pixel array 30. The data processing unit 211 processes digital data output from the R pixels and B pixels arranged in the right half of the pixel array 30. The data processing unit 212 processes digital data output from the Gr pixels and Gb pixels arranged in the right half of the pixel array 30.

[0021] The pixel circuits 31 arranged in the right half of the pixel array 30 may be called first pixel circuits, and the pixel circuits 31 arranged in the left half of the pixel array 30 may be called second pixel circuits. Note that the correspondence between the data processing units 111, 112, 211, 212 and the pixel circuits 31 is not limited to this.

[0022] The output circuits 161, 162, 261, and 262 are arranged corresponding to the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212, respectively. The output circuits 161, 162, 261, and 262 output the signals processed in the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 to the outside of the photoelectric conversion device 1 via the output terminals OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, and OUT4, respectively. Note that the number of the output circuits 161, 162, 261, and 262 and the output terminals OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, and OUT4 is not limited to those shown in the figure. For example, the signals processed in the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 may be output together from one output circuit.

[0023] The vertical scanning units 131 , 132 , 231 , and 232 are circuits that control the timing of reading out digital data from the pixel array 30 to the data processing units 111 , 112 , 211 , and 212 .

[0024] The event detection units 121, 122, 221, 222 (event signal generation units) are circuits that detect a predetermined event based on digital data output from the pixel array 30. The event detection units 121, 122, 221, 222 transmit a control signal indicating a power cutoff request or a power restoration request for the data processing units 111, 112, 211, 212 to the power control unit 251 based on the detected event. This control signal can also be called an event signal indicating the occurrence of an event. The event detection process and the determination process in this embodiment will be described later.

[0025] The power switches 141, 142, 241, and 242 are arranged corresponding to the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212, respectively. The power switches 143, 144, 243, and 244 are arranged corresponding to the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222, respectively. The power switches 141, 142, 241, and 242 control whether or not to supply power to the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 (first power supply control target circuits) based on a control signal from a power supply control unit 251 (first power supply control unit). The power switches 143, 144, 243, and 244 control whether or not to supply power to the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 (second power supply control target circuits) based on a control signal from a power supply control unit 151 (second power supply control unit).

[0026] A control signal indicating a power cutoff request or a power restoration request is input to the power control unit 151 (second power control unit) from the outside via each of the input terminals IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4. The power control unit 151 controls the power switches 143, 144, 243, and 244 to be on or off in response to these control signals. As a result, the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 are controlled to be in either a first state in which the power supply is cut off or a second state in which the power is supplied. Note that the first state is not limited to a state in which the power supply is completely cut off. In other words, it is sufficient that the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 can operate in any one of a plurality of states including the first state and a second state in which the power consumption is greater than that of the first state.

[0027] The power supply control unit 251 receives control signals from the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222, which indicate a power cutoff request or a power recovery request. The power supply control unit 251 controls the power switches 141, 142, 241, and 242 to be on or off in response to these control signals. As a result, the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are controlled to be in either a first state in which the power supply is cut off or a second state in which the power is supplied. As described above, the first state is not limited to a state in which the power supply is completely cut off. In other words, the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 only need to be operable in any of a plurality of states including the first state and a second state in which the power consumption is greater than that of the first state.

[0028] 1 shows an example in which one power switch is provided for one power-controlled circuit, but multiple power switches may be provided for one power-controlled circuit, which provides the effects of suppressing voltage drops and inrush currents.

[0029] The control targets of the power supply control unit 151 and the power supply control unit 251 may be reversed from the above example. That is, the power supply control unit 251 may control the supply of power to the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 based on a control signal from an external source. Also, the power supply control unit 151 may control the supply of power to the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 based on a control signal from the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222. Also, the processing circuits in which the power supply control unit 151 and the power supply control unit 251 are arranged may be reversed from the example of FIG. 1. In other words, the power supply control unit 251 is arranged in one of the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20, and the power supply control unit 151 is arranged in the other of the processing circuit 10 and the processing circuit 20.

[0030] Next, the event detection process and the determination process performed in the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 will be described.

[0031] In this embodiment, the event detected by the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 is a change in the count value of the number of photons incident on the pixel circuit 31. The change in the count value of the number of photons indicates a change in the image, such as the movement of a subject present in the image. In response to this, the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 determine whether the change in the image is greater than a threshold value. If the change in the image is greater, the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 perform data processing. To execute this data processing, the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 output a control signal to the power supply control unit 251 to shut off or restore power to the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 in accordance with the change in the count value.

[0032] In the example of Fig. 1, the processing circuits 10 and 20 each include two event detection units. The pixel circuits 31 for which the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 count the number of photons correspond to the pixel circuits 31 that are the source of the digital data processed by the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212, respectively. That is, for example, the event detection unit 121 detects a change in the count value of the number of photons incident on the R pixels and B pixels arranged in the left half of the pixel array 30. Note that, when any of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 detects that the change in the image is greater than a threshold, the same power supply control is executed for all of the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the pixel array 30 and the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 of the photoelectric conversion device 1 according to the first embodiment. The configuration of the pixel array 30 and the event detection process in the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, four pixel circuits 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d arranged in two rows and two columns are extracted and shown from among the many pixel circuits 31 in the pixel array 30. In addition, in FIG. 2, one functional block of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 is shown as a representative. Each of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 has a counter control circuit 121a, a period setting unit 121b, and a threshold setting unit 121c.

[0034] The pixel circuit 31a includes a photoelectric conversion element PD, a transistor M1, a resistor R1, and a counter circuit CN. The other pixel circuits 31b, 31c, and 31d have the same configuration, but the following description focuses on the pixel circuit 31a.

[0035] The photoelectric conversion element PD is an element that generates electric charges by photoelectric conversion in response to incident light, and is, for example, an avalanche photodiode. Hereinafter, the photoelectric conversion element PD is assumed to be an avalanche photodiode. The anode of the photoelectric conversion element PD is connected to the ground node. The cathode of the photoelectric conversion element PD is connected to the source of the transistor M1. The drain of the transistor M1 is connected to the first terminal of the resistor element R1 and the input terminal of the counter circuit CN. The second terminal of the resistor element R1 is connected to a power supply node having a predetermined power supply potential. This allows a predetermined reverse bias voltage to be supplied to the photoelectric conversion element PD. A reverse bias voltage that causes the photoelectric conversion element PD to perform an avalanche multiplication operation is supplied to the anode and cathode of the photoelectric conversion element PD. When electric charges are generated by incident light in the photoelectric conversion element PD to which the reverse bias voltage is supplied, the electric charges undergo avalanche multiplication, and an avalanche current is generated.

[0036] The resistive element R1 functions as a load circuit (quench circuit) during signal multiplication by avalanche multiplication. The resistive element R1 suppresses the voltage supplied to the photoelectric conversion element PD to suppress avalanche multiplication (quench operation). The resistive element R1 also returns the voltage supplied to the photoelectric conversion element PD to the original reverse bias voltage by passing a current corresponding to the voltage drop caused by the quench operation (recharge operation).

[0037] A control signal is input to the gate of the transistor M1 from the vertical scanning unit 131, 132, 231 or 232. The transistor M1 is controlled to be on or off in response to this control signal, thereby controlling the detection timing of the incident light in the photoelectric conversion element PD.

[0038] The counter circuit CN counts pulses of potential changes at the connection node between the drain of the transistor M1 and the first terminal of the resistor element R1, and outputs digital data. Since this potential change is based on the incidence of photons on the photoelectric conversion element PD, the counter circuit CN can count the number of incident photons. The counter circuit CN may include a waveform shaping circuit to make it easier to count the pulses.

[0039] The pixel array 30 is provided with control signal lines L1 and L2 arranged corresponding to each row of the pixel array 30, control signal lines L3 and L4 arranged corresponding to each column of the pixel array 30, and output signal lines L5 and L6 arranged corresponding to each column of the pixel array 30. The counter control circuit 121a is connected to the control signal lines L1, L2, L3, and L4 and the output signal lines L5 and L6. These control signal lines and output signal lines are also connected to the counter circuit CN of the pixel circuit of the corresponding row or column. For example, the counter circuit CN of the pixel circuit 31a is connected to the counter control circuit 121a via the control signal lines L1 and L3 and the output signal line L5.

[0040] The control signal lines L1, L2, L3, and L4 are signal lines for outputting control signals from the counter control circuit 121a to the corresponding counter circuits CN. These control signals may include, for example, a selection signal for selecting a specific counter circuit CN, a count value request signal for requesting output of a count value, a counter stop signal for instructing the stop of counting, and a counter reset signal for instructing the reset of a count value. These control signal lines L1, L2, L3, and L4 are arranged corresponding to each row and each column of the pixel array 30, so that the counter control circuit 121a can individually control the counter circuits CN of each pixel circuit.

[0041] The output signal lines L5 and L6 are signal lines for transmitting count values ​​from the counter circuits CN of the corresponding columns to the counter control circuit 121a.

[0042] 2 shows an example in which one counter control circuit 121a is connected to all of the control signal lines L3, L4 and output signal lines L5, L6 extending in the column direction, and the control signal lines L1, L2 extending in the row direction. However, a plurality of counter control circuits 121a may be arranged. For example, a first counter control circuit may be connected to the control signal lines L3, L4 and output signal lines L5, L6 extending in the column direction, and a second counter control circuit may be connected to the control signal lines L1, L2 extending in the row direction. In this case, the wiring in the row direction and the wiring in the column direction are connected to different circuits, so that the wiring density is reduced.

[0043] The counter control circuit 121a also has a function of continuing to acquire count values ​​within a predetermined period, and calculating and storing the sum of the count values ​​acquired within the period. The period setting unit 121b has a function of setting a time width for acquiring the above-mentioned count values, and supplying the set value to the counter control circuit 121a.

[0044] The counter control circuit 121a also has a function of calculating a difference value (the difference between the sum of count values ​​in a certain period and the sum of count values ​​in the period immediately before) of the sum of count values ​​stored by the above-mentioned process for the previous period. The counter control circuit 121a has a function of judging the magnitude of change in the image by comparing this difference value with a threshold. The threshold setting unit 121c has a function of setting a threshold used in this comparison and supplying the set value to the counter control circuit 121a. The difference value may be the difference between the sum of count values ​​in a certain period and the sum of count values ​​in the period two or more periods before that.

[0045] With the above-described configuration, the counter control circuit 121a can output a control signal requesting power control to the power supply control unit 251 in accordance with count values ​​selectively received from a plurality of pixel circuits. For example, in the pixel array 30 of Fig. 2, it is assumed that the pixel circuit 31a is an R pixel, the pixel circuit 31b is a Gr pixel, the pixel circuit 31c is a Gb pixel, and the pixel circuit 31d is a B pixel. In this case, the event detection unit 121 obtains count values ​​from the pixel circuit 31a and the pixel circuit 31d arranged in the left half of the pixel array 30.

[0046] The bit width of the control signals and digital data transmitted and received between the blocks in FIG. 2 is not particularly limited, and can be set appropriately depending on the design of the photoelectric conversion device 1.

[0047] Next, the power supply control process in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of designating a power supply cutoff target in the photoelectric conversion device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a power supply control method for the photoelectric conversion device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0048] In step S11, the photoelectric conversion device 1 accepts designation of an event detection unit to be powered off. One or more of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 are selected and designated as the event detection unit to be powered off. More specifically, a power-off request signal is input to the input terminals IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 from an external device of the photoelectric conversion device 1. The input terminals IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 correspond to the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222, respectively, and when the input signal is at a high level, it is assumed that the input signal indicates a power-off request. For example, when a high-level signal is input to the input terminals IN2 and IN4, the two event detection units 122 and 222 are designated as the power-off targets.

[0049] In step S12, the event detection unit designated as the power-off target transitions to the power-off state. Specifically, the power control unit 151 controls the power switch of the event detection unit corresponding to the input signal to be turned off, thereby cutting off the power supply to the event detection unit. When a high-level signal is input to the input terminals IN2 and IN4, the power switches 144 and 244 are controlled to be turned off, and the event detection units 122 and 222 shown by diagonal lines in FIG. 3 transition to the power-off state.

[0050] In step S13, an operating event detection unit other than the one to be powered off calculates a difference value of the count value for the previous period. In the above example, event detection units 121 and 221 are operating. Therefore, event detection unit 121 calculates a difference value of the count value of the number of photons incident on R pixels and B pixels arranged in the left half of pixel array 30. Event detection unit 221 calculates a difference value of the count value of the number of photons incident on R pixels and B pixels arranged in the right half of pixel array 30. In the above example, the process by event detection unit 121 and the process by event detection unit 221 are performed independently in parallel.

[0051] In step S14, the operating event detection unit determines whether the difference value of the count values ​​is equal to or less than a threshold value. If there are multiple operating event detection units, each of the multiple event detection units performs this determination process independently. If the difference value is greater than the threshold value (NO in step S14), it is determined that the change in the image is sufficiently large, and the process transitions to step S15. On the other hand, if the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value (YES in step S14), it is determined that the change in the image is small, and the process transitions to step S16.

[0052] If multiple event detection units are operating, the processes of steps S13 and S14 are performed independently and in parallel by each of the multiple event detection units. In this case, if the difference value is greater than the threshold value in at least one event detection unit in step S14 (NO in step S14), it is determined that the change in the image is sufficiently large, and the process proceeds to step S15.

[0053] In step S15, the power supply control unit 251 determines whether or not all of the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are in a power supply state. If all of the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are in a power supply state (YES in step S15), the process proceeds to step S13 and the same state is maintained. If all of the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are in a power cut-off state (NO in step S15), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0054] In step S17, the power supply control unit 251 outputs a power return request signal to the power switches 141, 142, 241, and 242. The power return request signal is a signal that controls each power switch to be on to bring the power supply state into a powered state. As a result, the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are returned to a powered state, and the process transitions to step S13. As described above, the states of all the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are synchronized, and the transition between the powered state and the powered cutoff state occurs simultaneously.

[0055] In step S16, the power supply control unit 251 determines whether or not all of the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are in a power supply state. If all of the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are in a power cut-off state (NO in step S16), the process proceeds to step S13 and the same state is maintained. If all of the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 are in a power supply state (YES in step S16), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0056] In step S18, the power supply control unit 251 outputs a power cutoff request signal to the power switches 141, 142, 241, and 242. The power cutoff request signal is a signal that controls each power switch to be turned off to cut off the power supply. As a result, the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 transition to the power cutoff state, and the process transitions to step S13.

[0057] The power supply control unit 251 of this embodiment can dynamically change the state of power supply to the circuit to be powered off in the processing circuit according to the detection result of the event. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion device 1 that can more appropriately reduce the power consumption in the processing circuit is provided.

[0058] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 151 of this embodiment can change the state of the event detection unit based on an external input signal, thereby changing the event to be detected depending on the imaging target.

[0059] For example, when the photoelectric conversion device 1 of this embodiment is used to monitor changes in the state of a horizon, the change in state can be roughly detected by detecting changes in the number of photons incident on the R and B pixels. Therefore, even if the power supply to the event detection units corresponding to the Gr and Gb pixels is cut off, it is possible to detect changes in the state of the horizon without a significant decrease in accuracy.

[0060] Furthermore, when the photoelectric conversion device 1 of this embodiment is used to monitor changes in the state of agricultural crops, the changes in the state can be roughly detected by detecting changes in the number of photons incident on the Gr and Gb pixels. Therefore, even if the power supply to the event detection units corresponding to the R and B pixels is cut off, it is possible to detect changes in the state of agricultural crops without a significant decrease in accuracy. In this way, by changing the events to be detected depending on the imaging target, the power consumption in the processing circuit can be further reduced.

[0061] Moreover, the configuration of this embodiment is more effective when there is a design constraint that the semiconductor elements of the processing circuit 10 and the semiconductor elements of the processing circuit 20 have the same layout due to the manufacturing by the division exposure method using the same photomask. In this design constraint, two identical power supply control units 151, 251 are formed on a semiconductor substrate. By connecting these power supply control units 151, 251 with different wiring and connecting them by exposure, the power supply control units 151, 251 can individually control the states of the different power supply control target circuits. Therefore, the two power supply control units 151, 251 formed by the constraint of the division exposure method are effectively used for controlling the power supply state.

[0062] [Second embodiment] The photoelectric conversion device 1 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the event detected by the event detection unit is the passage of time rather than a change in an image. The configuration and operation of the photoelectric conversion device 1 of this embodiment will be described below, but the description of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0063] 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the photoelectric conversion device 1 according to this embodiment. The blocks arranged in the photoelectric conversion device 1 are similar to those in the first embodiment. The first difference between the overall block diagram of this embodiment and the overall block diagram of the first embodiment is that the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 are not connected to the pixel array 30. In this embodiment, such a configuration is applied because the event to be detected is the passage of time and image information acquired by the pixel array 30 is not required.

[0064] The second difference between the overall block diagram of this embodiment and the overall block diagram of the first embodiment is the arrangement of the input terminals IN3 and IN4. In this embodiment, the input terminals IN1 and IN2 are arranged near the processing circuit 10, and the input terminals IN3 and IN4 are arranged near the processing circuit 20. However, the positions of the input terminals IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 are merely examples, and are not limited to those described in the first or second embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 of the photoelectric conversion device 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 6, one of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 is shown as a representative, and its functional block is shown. Each of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 has a time count circuit 121d, a shutdown request time setting unit 121e, and a restoration request time setting unit 121f.

[0066] The time count circuit 121d is a circuit including a counter that counts the time that has elapsed since a reset was performed. The cutoff request time setting unit 121e has a function of setting the time from when a reset is performed until a control signal for power cutoff is output, and supplying the set value to the time count circuit. The recovery request time setting unit 121f has a function of setting the time from when a reset is performed until a control signal for power recovery is output, and supplying the set value to the time count circuit. Note that the reset is a process of setting a count value indicating the elapsed time to an initial value (e.g., zero).

[0067] In the initial state, the time count circuit 121d first resets the count value, and then starts counting the elapsed time. When the count value reaches the set value set by the cutoff request time setting unit 121e, it outputs a control signal to the power supply control unit 251 to request power cutoff, and resets the count value. When the count value reaches the set value set by the recovery request time setting unit 121f, it outputs a control signal to the power supply control unit 251 to request power recovery, and resets the count value. When the count value reaches the set value set by the cutoff request time setting unit 121e, it outputs a control signal to the power supply control unit 251 to request power cutoff, and resets the count value. In the same manner, the time count circuit 121d performs a process of outputting a control signal so as to repeatedly cut off and restore the power supply every time the set time elapses. The number of bits of the counter is not particularly limited, and it is sufficient that the counter has a number of bits that can count up to the time equivalent to the set value.

[0068] Next, the power supply control process in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of designating a power supply cutoff target in the photoelectric conversion device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a power supply control method for the photoelectric conversion device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0069] In step S21, the photoelectric conversion device 1 accepts designation of an event detection unit to be powered off. One or more of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222 are selected and designated as the event detection unit to be powered off. More specifically, a power-off request signal is input to the input terminals IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 from an external device of the photoelectric conversion device 1. The input terminals IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 correspond to the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222, respectively, and when the input signal is at a high level, it is assumed that the input signal indicates a power-off request. For example, when a high-level signal is input to the input terminals IN2, IN3, and IN4, the three event detection units 122, 221, and 222 are designated as the event detection units to be powered off. In this embodiment, the event to be detected is the elapsed time, and there is no particular difference in the operation of the event detection units 121, 122, 221, and 222, so it is sufficient that any one of the event detection units is operable.

[0070] In step S22, the event detection unit designated as the power-off target transitions to the power-off state. Specifically, the power control unit 151 controls the power switch of the event detection unit corresponding to the input signal to be turned off, thereby cutting off the power supply to the event detection unit. When a high-level signal is input to the input terminals IN2, IN3, and IN4, the power switches 144, 243, and 244 are controlled to be turned off, and the event detection units 122, 221, and 222 shown by diagonal lines in FIG. 7 transition to the power-off state.

[0071] In step S23, an operating event detection unit other than the one to be powered off starts counting. In the above example, event detection unit 121 is operating. Therefore, in this example, only event detection unit 121 starts counting. Note that the count value in event detection unit 121 is reset immediately before the start of counting.

[0072] In step S24, the operating event detection unit determines whether the count value exceeds the setting value set by the cutoff request time setting unit 121e, that is, whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S24), the process proceeds to step S23, and the counting continues.

[0073] In step S25, the operating event detection unit outputs a control signal requesting power cut-off to the power control unit 251. The power control unit 251 outputs a power cut-off request signal to the power switches 141, 142, 241, and 242. This causes the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 to transition to a power-off state. Then, the power control unit 251 resets the count value. After that, in step S26, the operating event detection unit starts counting.

[0074] In step S27, the operating event detection unit determines whether or not the count value exceeds the set value set by the recovery request time setting unit 121f, that is, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S27), the process proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S27), the process proceeds to step S26, and the counting continues.

[0075] In step S28, the operating event detection unit outputs a control signal to the power supply control unit 251, requesting power restoration. The power supply control unit 251 outputs a power restoration request signal to the power switches 141, 142, 241, and 242. This causes the data processing units 111, 112, 211, and 212 to return to a power supply state. The power supply control unit 251 then resets the count value. Thereafter, the process returns to step S23, and the operating event detection unit starts counting. Thereafter, in the same manner, the power supply is repeatedly cut off and restored every time the set time elapses, according to a loop from step S23 to step S28.

[0076] The power supply control unit 251 of this embodiment can dynamically change the state of power supply to the circuit to be powered off in the processing circuit over time. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a photoelectric conversion device 1 that can more appropriately reduce power consumption in the processing circuit is provided.

[0077] [Third embodiment] The photoelectric conversion device in the above-described embodiment can be applied to various devices. Examples of the devices include digital cameras, digital camcorders, camera heads, copiers, fax machines, mobile phones, vehicle-mounted cameras, observation satellites, and surveillance cameras. Fig. 9 shows a block diagram of a digital camera as an example of the device.

[0078] The device 70 shown in FIG. 9 includes a barrier 706, a lens 702, an aperture 704, and a photoelectric conversion device 700. The device 70 further includes a signal processing unit (processing device) 708, a timing generating unit 720, an overall control / calculation unit 718 (control device), a memory unit 710 (storage device), a recording medium control I / F unit 716, a recording medium 714, and an external I / F unit 712. At least one of the barrier 706, the lens 702, and the aperture 704 is an optical device corresponding to the device. The barrier 706 protects the lens 702, and the lens 702 forms an optical image of a subject on the photoelectric conversion device 700. The aperture 704 makes the amount of light passing through the lens 702 variable. The photoelectric conversion device 700 is configured as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and converts the optical image formed by the lens 702 into image data (image signal). The signal processing unit 708 performs various corrections, data compression, etc. on the image data output from the photoelectric conversion device 700. The timing generating unit 720 outputs various timing signals to the photoelectric conversion device 700 and the signal processing unit 708. The overall control and calculation unit 718 controls the entire digital camera, and the memory unit 710 temporarily stores image data. The recording medium control I / F unit 716 is an interface for recording or reading image data to the recording medium 714, and the recording medium 714 is a removable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory for recording or reading image data. The external I / F unit 712 is an interface for communicating with an external computer or the like. Timing signals and the like may be input from outside the device. The device 70 may further include a display device (monitor, electronic viewfinder, etc.) that displays information obtained by the photoelectric conversion device. The device includes at least a photoelectric conversion device. The device 70 further includes at least one of an optical device, a control device, a processing device, a display device, a storage device, and a mechanical device that operates based on information obtained by the photoelectric conversion device. The mechanical device is a movable part (for example, a robot arm) that operates by receiving a signal from the photoelectric conversion device.

[0079] Each pixel circuit may include a plurality of photoelectric conversion units (a first photoelectric conversion unit and a second photoelectric conversion unit). The signal processing unit 708 may be configured to process a pixel signal based on the charge generated in the first photoelectric conversion unit and a pixel signal based on the charge generated in the second photoelectric conversion unit, and to acquire distance information from the photoelectric conversion device 700 to a subject.

[0080] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b) are block diagrams of devices related to the vehicle-mounted camera in this embodiment. The device 80 has the photoelectric conversion device 800 of the above-mentioned embodiment and a signal processing device (processing device) that processes a signal from the photoelectric conversion device 800. The device 80 has an image processing unit 801 that performs image processing on a plurality of image data acquired by the photoelectric conversion device 800, and a parallax calculation unit 802 that calculates parallax (phase difference of parallax images) from a plurality of image data acquired by the device 80. The device 80 also has a distance measurement unit 803 that calculates a distance to an object based on the calculated parallax, and a collision determination unit 804 that determines whether or not there is a possibility of a collision based on the calculated distance. Here, the parallax calculation unit 802 and the distance measurement unit 803 are examples of distance information acquisition means that acquire distance information to the object. That is, the distance information is information related to the parallax, the defocus amount, the distance to the object, and the like. The collision determination unit 804 may determine the possibility of a collision using any of these distance information. The distance information acquisition means may be realized by dedicated hardware, a software module, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a combination of these.

[0081] The device 80 is connected to a vehicle information acquisition device 810, and can acquire vehicle information such as vehicle speed, yaw rate, and steering angle. In addition, the device 80 is connected to a control ECU 820, which is a control device that outputs a control signal to generate a braking force for the vehicle based on the judgment result of the collision judgment unit 804. In addition, the device 80 is also connected to an alarm device 830 that issues an alarm to the driver based on the judgment result of the collision judgment unit 804. For example, when the judgment result of the collision judgment unit 804 indicates that there is a high possibility of a collision, the control ECU 820 performs vehicle control to avoid a collision and reduce damage by applying the brakes, releasing the accelerator, suppressing engine output, etc. The alarm device 830 warns the user by sounding an alarm such as a sound, displaying alarm information on the screen of a car navigation system, etc., and applying vibrations to a seat belt or steering wheel. The device 80 functions as a control means that controls the operation of controlling the vehicle as described above.

[0082] In this embodiment, the surroundings of the vehicle, for example, the front or rear, are imaged by the device 80. Fig. 10(b) shows the device when imaging the area in front of the vehicle (imaging range 850). A vehicle information acquisition device 810, which serves as an imaging control means, sends an instruction to the device 80 or the photoelectric conversion device 800 to perform an imaging operation. This configuration can further improve the accuracy of distance measurement.

[0083] Although the above describes an example of control to prevent collision with other vehicles, the present invention can also be applied to control of automatic driving by following other vehicles, control of automatic driving to prevent deviation from lanes, etc. Furthermore, the device is not limited to vehicles such as automobiles, but can be applied to moving bodies (moving devices) such as ships, aircraft, artificial satellites, industrial robots, and consumer robots. In addition, the present invention can be applied to devices that use object recognition or biometric recognition, such as intelligent transport systems (ITS) and surveillance systems, in addition to moving bodies.

[0084] [Modified embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways. For example, an example in which a part of the configuration of any of the embodiments is added to another embodiment, or an example in which a part of the configuration of any of the embodiments is replaced with a part of the configuration of another embodiment, is also an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The disclosure of this specification includes the complement of the concepts described in this specification. In other words, if the specification states, for example, that "A is B" (A=B), the specification is deemed to disclose or suggest that "A is not B" even if the statement that "A is not B" (A≠B) is omitted. This is because when it states that "A is B," it is assumed that the case that "A is not B" is taken into consideration.

[0086] The disclosure of this specification includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) A photoelectric conversion device, a pixel array including a plurality of pixel circuits arranged across a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each pixel circuit outputting a pixel signal based on incident light; a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit each including a data processing unit that processes the pixel signal to generate data; An output pad; an output circuit that outputs the data to an outside of the photoelectric conversion device via the output pad; an event signal generating unit that generates an event signal indicating an occurrence of an event; A first power supply control unit; having each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit includes a first controllably powered circuit; The first power supply control unit performs control to set the first power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to one of a plurality of states including a first state and a second state having a higher power consumption than the first state, based on the event signal. A photoelectric conversion device comprising: (Configuration 2) a switch for controlling the supply of power to the first power supply control target circuit; the first power supply control unit sets the first power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to the first state by controlling the switch to be off based on the event signal; The first power supply control unit sets the first power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to the second state by controlling the switch to be on based on the event signal. 2. The photoelectric conversion device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The first state is a state in which power supply to the first power supply control target circuit is cut off. 3. The photoelectric conversion device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) The first power supply control target circuit includes the data processing unit. 4. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) The first power supply control unit performs control to set the first power supply control target circuit of the second processing circuit to one of a plurality of states including the first state and the second state based on the event signal. 5. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) an input pad to which a control signal is input from outside the photoelectric conversion device; A second power supply control unit; Further comprising: each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit further includes a second controllable power supply circuit; The second power supply control unit performs control to set the second power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to one of a plurality of states including the first state and the second state based on the control signal. 6. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) The second power supply control target circuit includes the event signal generating unit. 7. The photoelectric conversion device according to configuration 6. (Configuration 8) the first power supply control unit is disposed in one of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit, The second power supply control unit is disposed in the other of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit. 8. The photoelectric conversion device according to configuration 6 or 7. (Configuration 9) each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit includes a semiconductor device; The semiconductor element included in the first processing circuit and the semiconductor element included in the second processing circuit have the same layout in a plan view. 9. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) a wiring layer including wiring electrically connected to the semiconductor element included in the first processing circuit and wiring electrically connected to the semiconductor element included in the second processing circuit, In the plan view, the wiring in the region of the first processing circuit and the wiring in the region of the second processing circuit have different layouts. 10. The photoelectric conversion device according to configuration 9. (Configuration 11) The event signal generating unit generates the event signal based on the pixel signal. 11. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 12) The event signal generating unit generates the event signal based on a difference value of the pixel signals acquired during different periods. 12. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 11, (Configuration 13) When the difference value is greater than a predetermined threshold value and the first controllably-powered circuit of the first processing circuit is in the first state, the first controllably-powered circuit of the first processing circuit transitions from the first state to the second state. 13. The photoelectric conversion device according to configuration 12. (Configuration 14) When the difference value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value and the first controllably-powered circuit of the first processing circuit is in the second state, the first controllably-powered circuit of the first processing circuit transitions from the second state to the first state. 14. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 12 or 13. (Configuration 15) The event signal generating unit generates the event signal based on an elapsed time. 11. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 16) When a predetermined time has elapsed, the first controllably powered circuit of the first processing circuit transitions from one of the first state and the second state to the other. 16. The photoelectric conversion device according to configuration 15. (Configuration 17) A plurality of the event signal generating units are provided, The first power supply control unit is capable of controlling the first power supply control target circuit to transition from one of the first state and the second state to the other, based on the event signal generated by at least one of the plurality of event signal generation units. 17. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, (Configuration 18) the first processing circuit processes a pixel signal output from a first pixel circuit among the plurality of pixel circuits; The second processing circuit processes a pixel signal output from a second pixel circuit of the plurality of pixel circuits. 18. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 17. (Configuration 19) The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, an optical device corresponding to the photoelectric conversion device; A control device for controlling the photoelectric conversion device; a processing device that processes a signal output from the photoelectric conversion device; a display device that displays information obtained by the photoelectric conversion device; A storage device that stores information obtained by the photoelectric conversion device; and and a mechanical device that operates based on information obtained by the photoelectric conversion device. (Configuration 20) The processing device processes the image signals generated by the plurality of photoelectric conversion units, and obtains distance information from the photoelectric conversion devices to a subject. 20. The device according to claim 19,

[0087] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for implementing one or more of the functions.

[0088] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Photoelectric conversion device 10, 20 Processing circuit 30 pixel array 31 Pixel circuit 111, 112, 211, 212 Data processing unit 121, 122, 221, 222 Event detector 151, 251 Power supply control unit 161, 162, 261, 262 Output circuit OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, OUT4 output terminals

Claims

1. A photoelectric conversion device, a pixel array including a plurality of pixel circuits arranged across a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each pixel circuit outputting a pixel signal based on incident light; a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit each including a data processing unit that processes the pixel signals to generate data; An output pad; an output circuit that outputs the data to the outside of the photoelectric conversion device via the output pad; an event signal generation unit that generates an event signal indicating the occurrence of an event based on the pixel signal; a first power supply control unit; and each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit includes a first controllably powered circuit; The first power supply control unit performs control to set the first power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to one of a plurality of states including a first state and a second state in which power consumption is greater than that of the first state, based on the event signal. A photoelectric conversion device characterized by:

2. a switch that controls the supply of power to the first power supply control target circuit; the first power supply control unit controls the switch to be turned off based on the event signal, thereby setting the first power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to the first state; The first power supply control unit controls the switch to be on based on the event signal, thereby setting the first power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to the second state.

2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

3. The first state is a state in which power supply to the first power supply control target circuit is cut off.

2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

4. the first power supply control target circuit includes the data processing unit; 2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

5. The first power supply control unit performs control to set the first power supply control target circuit of the second processing circuit to one of a plurality of states including the first state and the second state based on the event signal.

2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

6. an input pad to which a control signal is input from outside the photoelectric conversion device; a second power supply control unit; and each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit further includes a second controllably powered circuit; The second power supply control unit performs control to set the second power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to one of a plurality of states including the first state and the second state based on the control signal.

2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

7. the second controllably powered circuit includes the event signal generating unit; 7. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 6.

8. the first power supply control unit is disposed in one of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit, The second power supply control unit is disposed in the other of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit.

7. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 6.

9. each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit includes a semiconductor device; The semiconductor element included in the first processing circuit and the semiconductor element included in the second processing circuit have the same layout in a plan view.

2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

10. a wiring layer including wiring electrically connected to the semiconductor element included in the first processing circuit and wiring electrically connected to the semiconductor element included in the second processing circuit; In the plan view, the wiring in the region of the first processing circuit and the wiring in the region of the second processing circuit have different layouts.

10. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 9.

11. The event signal generation unit generates the event signal based on a difference value of the pixel signals acquired during different periods.

2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

12. When the difference value is greater than a predetermined threshold value and the first controllably-powered circuit of the first processing circuit is in the first state, the first controllably-powered circuit of the first processing circuit transitions from the first state to the second state.

12. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 11.

13. When the difference value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value and the first controllably-powered circuit of the first processing circuit is in the second state, the first controllably-powered circuit of the first processing circuit transitions from the second state to the first state.

12. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 11.

14. a plurality of the event signal generators; The first power supply control unit is capable of controlling the first controllably powered circuit to transition from one of the first state and the second state to the other, based on the event signal generated by at least one of the plurality of event signal generation units.

2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

15. the first processing circuit processes a pixel signal output from a first pixel circuit among the plurality of pixel circuits; The second processing circuit processes a pixel signal output from a second pixel circuit among the plurality of pixel circuits.

2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

16. A photoelectric conversion device, a pixel array including a plurality of pixel circuits arranged across a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each pixel circuit outputting a pixel signal based on incident light; a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit each including a data processing unit that processes the pixel signals to generate data; An output pad; an output circuit that outputs the data to the outside of the photoelectric conversion device via the output pad; an event signal generating unit that generates an event signal indicating the occurrence of an event based on an elapsed time; a first power supply control unit; and each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit includes a first controllably powered circuit; The first power supply control unit performs control to set the first power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit to one of a plurality of states including a first state and a second state in which power consumption is greater than that of the first state, based on the event signal. A photoelectric conversion device characterized by:

17. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the first power supply control target circuit of the first processing circuit transitions from one of the first state and the second state to the other.

17. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 16.

18. The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, an optical device corresponding to the photoelectric conversion device; a control device that controls the photoelectric conversion device; a processing device that processes a signal output from the photoelectric conversion device; a display device that displays information obtained by the photoelectric conversion device; a storage device that stores information obtained by the photoelectric conversion device; and and a mechanical device that operates based on information obtained by the photoelectric conversion device.

19. The processing device processes the image signals generated by the plurality of photoelectric conversion units, and acquires distance information from the photoelectric conversion units to a subject.

20. The device of claim 18.

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