Event Image Sensor Noise-Aware Data Output for DSP Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromagnetic noise generated during processing by a digital signal processor (DSP) in an image sensor can lead to errors in charge read from pixels, affecting the reliability of subsequent processing.

Innovation Solution

An image sensor with a pixel array unit and a processing unit that generates noise source presence/absence data, allowing for estimation of erroneously detected events due to electromagnetic noise, and a signal processing device that uses this data to adjust processing accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If predetermined processing is executed in parallel with pixel reading, then processing efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic noise is generated causing detection errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing unit notifies the pixel array unit of its processing schedule in advance. The pixel array unit uses this notification to identify and exclude events occurring during processing periods from the event data, thereby eliminating noise-induced errors while maintaining parallel processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The processing unit performs preliminary action by notifying the pixel array unit of the processing schedule before executing predetermined processing. This advance notification allows the pixel array unit to prepare for potential noise interference and appropriately filter events, preventing detection errors before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If event-driven reading is implemented, then reading efficiency is improved, but position estimation becomes difficult during noise periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading efficiencyVSAvoidposition estimation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a processing schedule notification that bridges the processing unit and pixel array unit. This notification serves as a reference signal that enables the pixel array unit to estimate pixel positions during noise periods by correlating event timing with the known processing schedule, thus solving the position estimation problem while maintaining event-driven reading efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250386112A1Image sensor and data structure

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

An image sensor includes: a pixel array unit in which pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, the pixels detecting a change in light reception amount as an event and generating an event signal indicating a detection result of the event; a predetermined processing unit configured to execute predetermined processing accompanied by generation of electromagnetic noise; and an information output unit configured to generate and output noise source driving presence/absence data indicating whether or not the predetermined processing is executed when the event is detected.