Image Sensor Binning Mode Circuit Design for High Frame Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensing devices face challenges in achieving a high frame rate without altering their circuit design, particularly in transitioning between normal and binning modes, which affects image quality and processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The image sensing device employs an image sensor for analog binning operations and an image processor for interpolation and digital binning operations, allowing for the generation of first and second image signals in a binning mode without changing the circuit design, thereby enabling high frame rates and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the circuit design is altered to achieve high frame rate in binning mode, then the frame rate is improved, but the device complexity and design cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor circuit capable of operating in multiple modes (normal mode and binning mode) using the same hardware design. The circuit can dynamically switch between reading all pixels in normal mode and reading only selected rows in binning mode, eliminating the need for separate circuit designs for different operating modes while achieving high frame rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic row selection capability where the image sensor can flexibly choose which rows to read based on the operating mode. In binning mode, specific rows are selected for reading while other rows are skipped, allowing the system to adapt its reading pattern dynamically without requiring physical circuit changes, thereby achieving high frame rates with existing circuit design.
2Ease of operation
If analog binning is performed on all rows, then the binning operation is simplified, but the frame rate decreases due to increased data processing load
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing analog binning on all rows, the patent applies analog binning only to selected rows that are read out. By partially processing only the necessary rows and skipping others, the system reduces the overall data processing load while maintaining binning functionality where needed, thereby achieving both operational simplicity and high frame rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the image sensor output into different segments (selected rows vs. skipped rows). Only the selected rows undergo analog binning processing, while other rows are excluded from the processing pipeline. This segmentation approach reduces the total amount of data requiring binning operations, improving frame rate without completely sacrificing binning capability.
3Measurement precision
If the image sensor reads all pixels in binning mode, then the image quality is maintained, but the frame rate cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels to different regions of the image sensor output. Selected rows are read out with full processing (including analog binning) to maintain high image quality in those regions, while other rows are skipped to enable high frame rates. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain image quality where necessary while achieving high productivity overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial reading of pixel data in binning mode, selecting only specific rows for reading while skipping others. This partial action approach maintains image quality for the selected rows through proper analog binning processing, while the exclusion of other rows enables high frame rates by reducing the total data processing burden.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image sensing device and an operating method thereof, the image sensing device including an image sensor suitable for generating first image signals, corresponding to some of a plurality of pixels, in a binning mode, and an image processor suitable for generating second image signals, corresponding to other pixels, by performing an interpolation operation based on the first image signals in the binning mode.