Dual Pixel Array Image Sensor for Selective Low-Power Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensing devices face challenges in reducing memory usage and power consumption, especially when continuously operating in applications like security cameras, where high performance is required over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image sensing device with a dual pixel array structure, where a first pixel array with smaller unit pixels and a second pixel array with larger unit pixels are selectively activated based on detected objects, allowing for reduced power consumption and memory usage by deactivating unnecessary pixels, and the use of a sawtooth-shaped concavo-convex structure to enhance quantum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all pixels are continuously activated to maintain high image quality, then image sensing performance is improved, but power consumption and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions with different activation states. The controller selectively activates only certain pixel regions based on detected objects, while keeping other regions deactivated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high image quality in active regions while reducing overall power consumption by keeping inactive regions dormant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation state of pixel regions based on real-time object detection results. When an object is detected in a specific region, the controller activates corresponding pixels to capture detailed information. When no object is present, those regions are deactivated to save power. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining performance and reducing energy usage.
2Measurement precision
If all pixels are continuously activated to capture complete scene information, then measurement precision is improved, but memory usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and processes only the relevant pixel data corresponding to detected objects, rather than continuously processing data from all pixels. By taking out only the necessary information from active pixel regions and storing it in memory, the system maintains accurate object detection while significantly reducing memory usage compared to storing data from all continuously active pixels.
3Reliability
If pixel array size is increased to improve light sensitivity, then quantum efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the size of the entire pixel array, the system applies local quality enhancement by activating only specific pixel regions where objects are detected. This allows the system to achieve high quantum efficiency in active regions with larger or more sensitive pixels, while keeping inactive regions with smaller, simpler pixel structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 effectively reduces memory usage and power consumption by selectively activating only the necessary pixels when an object is detected, while maintaining high quantum efficiency through the scattering of light and increased incident distance, thereby optimizing performance and efficiency in image capture.
Implementation Method 1
An image sensing device is a device for capturing optical images by converting light into electrical signals using a photosensitive semiconductor material which reacts to light
Implementation Method 2
the use of a sawtooth-shaped concavo-convex structure to enhance quantum efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image sensing device, including: a plurality of pixel arrays, and the pixel arrays include: a first pixel array including a plurality of first unit pixels, and a second pixel array disposed to surround the first pixel array and including a plurality of second unit pixels, and the first unit pixel includes a plurality of photodiodes, and each photodiode of the first unit pixel is connected to a different transfer transistor.