CMOS Sensor Readout Pausing for Noise-Free Global Shutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Global shutter operations in CMOS image sensors introduce electrical noise that distorts images and reduce flexibility in image exposure control, as they typically need to be performed separately from readout operations to avoid noise, which limits frame rates and introduces artifacts.
Innovation Solution
Introducing an interruption period during the readout cycle to pause data output, allowing for global shutter operations to be performed without significant noise impact, using a state machine to manage circuit components and generate imitation instructions for maintaining operational consistency during the interruption, enabling mixed global and readout operations within a single cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If global shutter operations are performed separately from readout operations to avoid electrical noise, then image quality is improved, but frame rate is reduced and flexibility in image exposure control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges global shutter operations with data readout operations by introducing an interruption period during the readout cycle. This allows both operations to be integrated within a single cycle rather than performed separately, thereby improving frame rate while maintaining image quality through the controlled interruption mechanism that minimizes noise impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the readout cycle by pausing and resuming data output during the interruption period. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to flexibly control the timing of global shutter operations within the readout cycle, enabling both high frame rates and flexible image exposure control while maintaining image quality.
2Measurement precision
If global shutter operations are performed separately from readout operations to avoid electrical noise, then image quality is improved, but flexibility in image exposure control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables flexible image exposure control by dynamically controlling the timing and duration of the interruption period during the readout cycle. The system can adjust when the global shutter operation occurs within the cycle, allowing versatile exposure control while maintaining image quality through the controlled interruption that minimizes noise impact.
3Measurement precision
If separate blanking periods are used for global shutter operations, then electrical noise impact is reduced, but frame rate is reduced and operational efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate blanking periods by merging global shutter operations with the data readout cycle. The interruption period is integrated into the existing readout timing structure, allowing global shutter operations to occur during the readout process itself rather than requiring additional separate time periods, thereby maintaining image quality while improving frame rate.
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 mitigates noise-induced distortions, enhances flexibility in image exposure control, and improves frame rates by allowing global shutter operations to be integrated with data readout, reducing the need for separate blanking periods and thus optimizing image quality and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The CMOS photodetector can absorb electromagnetic radiation in or around the visible spectrum (or more typically a subset of the visible spectrum—such as blue wavelengths, red wavelengths, green wavelengths, etc.), and output an electronic signal proportionate to the electromagnetic energy absorbed.
Data Source
AI summary
Providing for pausing data readout from an optical sensor array is described herein. By way of example, an interruption period can be introduced into a readout cycle of the optical sensor array to suspend readout of data. During the interruption period, other operations related to the optical sensor array can be performed, including operations that are typically detrimental to image quality. Moreover, these operations can be performed while mitigating or avoiding negative impact on the image quality. Thus, greater flexibility is provided for global shutter operations, for instance, potentially improving frame rates and fine control of image exposure, while preserving image quality.