Event-Based ADC Resolution Control for Dynamic Range Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in efficiently managing data output and power consumption while maintaining high dynamic range, particularly in rapidly changing luminance environments, due to inflexible ADC resolution settings based on past imaging frames.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that includes an event detection unit, pulse counting unit, and imaging control unit to dynamically adjust ADC resolution based on real-time luminance changes, using event detection signals to count events and control imaging conditions such as ADC resolution, exposure time, and amplifier gain, thereby optimizing data output and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ADC resolution is set high to maintain high dynamic range, then measurement precision is improved, but data output amount increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ADC resolution adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically changes the ADC resolution based on the number of event detection signals received from pixels, allowing the system to adapt between high precision (when events occur) and low data output (when no events occur), thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and data quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the ADC resolution parameter based on event detection signal counts. When the number of event signals exceeds a threshold, the ADC resolution is increased to maintain high dynamic range; when the count is low, the resolution is reduced to decrease data output amount, thus dynamically adjusting the parameter to balance precision and data volume
2Measurement precision
If ADC resolution is set high to maintain high dynamic range, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ADC resolution based on real-time event detection signal counts rather than maintaining a fixed high resolution. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to consume more power only when necessary (high event counts requiring high dynamic range) and reduce power consumption during normal conditions (low event counts allowing lower resolution), resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and power usage
Solution Approach 2:
The ADC resolution parameter is changed based on the number of event detection signals. When event signals are frequent, the parameter is set to maintain high dynamic range; when signals are rare, the parameter is reduced to lower power consumption, thus dynamically optimizing the balance between precision and energy efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If ADC resolution is adjusted dynamically, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control device into distinct functional units: an event detection unit that counts signals from pixels, a control unit that determines ADC resolution based on the count, and the ADC unit that performs conversion. This segmentation allows each unit to perform a specific function independently, improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the event detection signal count as input to the control unit, which then adjusts the ADC resolution accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to changing luminance conditions without requiring complex external control, improving adaptability while keeping the device structure relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a control device for controlling an imaging condition of a sensor having one or more pixels, comprising an event detection unit for detecting an event indicating that a luminance signal changes in excess of a predetermined threshold value in one or more pixels, and for outputting an event detection signal; a counter for counting a number of events detected by the event detection unit; and a control unit for controlling the imaging condition of the sensor, based on the event detection signal. In addition, provided is a control method for controlling an imaging condition of a sensor having one or more pixels. The control method comprises detecting an event indicating that a luminance signal changes in excess of a predetermined threshold value in one or more pixels; counting a number of events; and controlling the imaging condition of the sensor, based on the detection of events.