Dual-Temporal Pixel Circuit for Analog Motion and Image Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors require digital conversion of pixel data for processing, necessitating frame buffers to store entire image frames, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A pixel circuit that performs analog operations using pulse width signals, incorporating a photodiode, temporal circuits, and comparators to store and output light energy as pulse widths, allowing for intra-pixel and inter-pixel operations without initial digital conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If digital conversion is performed for pixel data processing, then processing capability is improved, but memory requirements increase due to need for frame buffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the digital conversion and storage system with an analog processing system. Specifically, it uses a dual-temporal circuit architecture that performs motion detection and image capture simultaneously in the analog domain, eliminating the need for digital frame buffers. The first temporal circuit captures current frame data while the second temporal circuit holds previous frame data, allowing analog subtraction operations to detect motion without converting to digital format first.
2Reliability
If frame buffers are used to store digital image frames, then image storage is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of frame storage and motion detection into a single analog processing architecture. The dual-temporal circuits are integrated with subtraction circuits that simultaneously perform storage and comparison operations. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate digital frame buffers and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable image storage and motion detection capabilities.
3Productivity
If analog operations are performed on pixel data, then processing efficiency is improved, but circuit design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analog processing function into two distinct temporal circuits: a first temporal circuit for capturing current frame data and a second temporal circuit for holding previous frame data. Each circuit is independently designed with specific transistors and capacitors, making the overall complex analog processing task more manageable through functional segmentation while maintaining high processing efficiency.
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
Enables efficient pixel-wise analog operations, reducing the need for digital conversion and frame buffers, and facilitating operations like motion detection and image recognition directly in the analog phase.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode, a first temporal circuit, a second temporal circuit, a first comparator and a second comparator. The photodiode is configured to generate light energy
Implementation Method 2
The first temporal circuit includes a first capacitor having a first end coupled to the photodiode. The second temporal circuit includes a second capacitor having a first end coupled to the photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a pixel circuit capable of outputting time difference data or image data, and including a first temporal circuit and a second temporal circuit. The first temporal circuit is used to store detected light energy of a first interval and a second interval as the time difference data. The second temporal circuit is used to store detected light energy of the second interval as the image data. The pixel circuit is used to output a pulse width signal corresponding to the time difference data or the image data in different operating modes.