Image Reading Chip Drive Capability Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face issues with excessive power consumption and noise due to mismatched drive capabilities of image sensors and analog front ends, leading to inefficient signal transfer in various scanner types.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with an image reading chip that includes an output circuit with multiple drive capabilities and an output selection unit, which selects the appropriate drive capability based on the signal input or voltage level to match the signal transfer load, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general-purpose image sensor with high drive capability is used to ensure it can drive the maximum envisioned load, then the sensor can be applied to various types of scanners, but excessive power consumption and excessive noise occur when the actual driving load is smaller than the maximum load
Solution Approach 1:
The output circuit is designed with multiple drive capability levels (first drive capability and second drive capability larger than the first) that can be dynamically selected based on the actual load conditions. The output selection unit switches between these drive capabilities depending on the signal input, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the actual requirements rather than always operating at maximum capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive capability parameter of the output circuit is made changeable through the output selection unit, which selects between different drive capability levels based on the input signal characteristics. This allows the system to adjust the drive capability parameter to match the actual load, reducing power consumption when full drive capability is not needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a general-purpose image sensor with high drive capability is used to ensure it can drive the maximum envisioned load, then the sensor can be applied to various types of scanners, but excessive noise accompanying signal transfer occurs when the actual driving load is smaller than the maximum load
Solution Approach 1:
The output circuit dynamically adjusts its drive capability based on actual load conditions through the output selection unit. By switching between first and second drive capabilities, the system avoids operating at excessive drive levels that would generate unnecessary noise, thus reducing harmful noise effects while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive capability parameter is adjusted based on the input signal to match the actual load requirements. This parameter change prevents the generation of excessive noise that would occur if the circuit operated at maximum drive capability regardless of the actual load, while still allowing the same sensor to be used across different scanner types.
3Reliability
If the image sensor operates at maximum drive capability to ensure sufficient signal transfer, then reliable signal transfer is achieved, but power consumption and noise increase unnecessarily when the load is small
Solution Approach 1:
The output circuit uses dynamic switching between different drive capability levels based on the actual signal transfer requirements. The output selection unit determines the appropriate drive capability level, ensuring reliable signal transfer when needed while reducing power consumption when the load is smaller, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive capability parameter is adjusted according to the input signal characteristics and load conditions. This allows the system to maintain reliable signal transfer by selecting appropriate drive capability levels rather than always operating at maximum capability, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring reliability when required.
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
The solution effectively suppresses excessive power consumption and noise by matching the drive capability of the output circuit with the signal transfer load, ensuring reliable and efficient signal transfer while reducing power consumption and noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving element that receives and photoelectrically converts light from the image
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus including an image reading chip for reading an image, wherein the image reading chip includes: a terminal; a pixel portion that outputs a pixel signal and includes a light-receiving element that receives and photoelectrically converts light from the image; an output circuit that can output a signal based on the pixel signal with one of a plurality of drive capabilities including a first drive capability and a second drive capability that is larger than the first drive capability; and an output selection circuit that, based on a signal input to the terminal, selects the drive capability of the output circuit.