Solid-State Image Pickup Device Actuator Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image pickup devices suffer from image deterioration due to noise interference from pulse-driven actuators, especially when downsizing is required for mobile-phone camera modules, as existing noise reduction methods either compromise operation speed or increase component size.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a driver-control means within the solid-state image pickup device to synchronize and adjust the operation timing of the pulse-driven actuator driver with the read timing of the sensor, ensuring the pulse signal does not overlap with sampling timing, and dynamically varying the drive capacity to minimize noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuator is driven near the solid-state image pickup device to enable compact camera module design, then the device size is reduced, but noise from the actuator interferes with the image sensor and deteriorates image signals
Solution Approach 1:
The driver dynamically adjusts the drive capacity of the actuator based on the operational state of the solid-state image pickup device. When the image sensor is actively reading or converting signals, the driver reduces or stops actuator driving to minimize noise interference. This dynamic control allows the actuator to be positioned close to the image sensor for compact design while preventing noise deterioration of image signals through real-time adaptation of drive conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The driver changes the drive parameters of the actuator based on the read timing and signal conversion timing of the image sensor. By synchronizing actuator operation with the sensor's operational cycles, the system optimizes the balance between compact positioning and noise reduction, allowing close proximity placement while maintaining image signal quality through parameter optimization
2Speed
If the actuator is driven during image signal output to maintain focus and zoom control speed, then operation speed is improved, but noise from the actuator deteriorates image signals
Solution Approach 1:
The driver operates the actuator in periodic cycles that are synchronized with the read timing of the solid-state image pickup device. By alternating between actuator driving periods and image signal reading periods, the system maintains high operational speed for focus and zoom control while preventing noise interference during critical image signal output phases through rhythmic coordination of operations
Solution Approach 2:
The driver dynamically switches between different operational modes based on the real-time state of the image sensor. When the sensor is in read or conversion mode, the driver suppresses actuator operation to eliminate noise. When the sensor is in blanking period, the driver activates the actuator for focus and zoom adjustments. This dynamic switching maintains high control speed while protecting image signal quality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If components including the actuator and driver are separated from the solid-state image pickup device to reduce noise, then image signal quality is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver is integrated into the solid-state image pickup device, merging the actuator control function with the image sensor assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate driver components and long connection wires that would increase device size. Simultaneously, the integrated driver can precisely control actuator operation timing to minimize noise interference, achieving both compact size and high image signal quality through functional integration and coordinated control
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup device including a driver-control unit configured to control the operation timing of a pulse-driven actuator driver based on the read timing of the sensor of a solid-state image pickup element is provided.