Analog Pixel Intensity Ratio Circuitry for Low-Power Mobile Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile imaging applications face challenges in maintaining continuous operation due to high power consumption, particularly when capturing high-resolution images or handling high dynamic range scenes, which limits their use in 'always on' modes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of circuitry that digitizes pixel intensity ratios from adjacent sensors in the analog domain, reducing the need for high bitdepth analog to digital conversions and minimizing power consumption while maintaining image quality, using techniques such as analog logarithmic compression and spatial low-pass filtering to capture images at lower bitdepths without significant performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are captured continuously, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing pipeline into multiple stages: optical domain filtering (spatial low-pass filtering), analog domain processing (logarithmic compression, differencing), and selective digital processing. This segmentation allows different processing levels to be applied to different parts of the system, enabling continuous imaging at reduced power consumption while maintaining essential image quality for edge detection applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies spatial low-pass filtering in the optical domain before the image reaches the sensor array, and performs logarithmic compression and differencing operations in the analog domain before digital conversion. These preliminary actions reduce the complexity and power requirements of subsequent digital processing while preserving the essential edge information needed for vision applications.
2Measurement precision
If high dynamic range scenes are captured with high bitdepth, then gradient intensity resolution is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-bitdepth digital processing with analog domain operations. By performing logarithmic compression and differencing operations in the analog domain using dedicated circuits rather than digital processors, the system achieves gradient detection with reduced bitdepth requirements, significantly lowering power consumption while maintaining gradient intensity resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the pixel intensity data through logarithmic compression, changing the parameter representation from linear intensity to logarithmic intensity. This parameter transformation allows the system to capture high dynamic range scenes with reduced bitdepth requirements, as the logarithmic scale compresses the wide intensity range into a manageable format that preserves gradient information.
3Reliability
If spatial low-pass filtering is applied before sampling, then aliasing is reduced, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial low-pass filtering as an intermediary step in the optical domain, using optical elements (such as diffusers or specialized lens structures) to perform the filtering before the image reaches the sensor. This intermediary approach reduces aliasing effectively while keeping the subsequent electronic processing relatively simple, as the filtering occurs naturally in the optical path rather than requiring complex digital algorithms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for continuous, low-power image capture and processing, enabling 'always on' imaging capabilities in mobile devices without compromising image quality or dynamic range handling, by focusing on pixel intensity ratios rather than absolute values, thus reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an array of sensors, each sensor providing a signal value for a pixel that is indicative of an intensity of light detected
Implementation Method 2
analog logarithmic compression and differencing circuits to reduce power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, systems and methods involving imaging providing pixel intensity ratios using circuitry. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a photosensor array having an array of sensors and a circuitry. Each sensor of the photosensor array provides a signal value for a pixel that is indicative of an intensity of light detected. Further, the circuitry responds to the signal values from a plurality of sensors of the photosensor array, by converting signals indicative of a ratio of pixel intensity values to a digital signal that characterize at least an edge of an object corresponding to or associated with the intensity of the detected light. The circuitry provides digital signals, each indicative of a ratio of pixel intensity values, for respective sensors of the photosensor array.