Image Sensor Column Line Selection for Preview Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CMOS image sensors in portable devices consume unnecessary power by processing signals from all pixels during preview operations, which reduces the device's battery life.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor selectively enables only a portion of the column lines during a vertical blank interval and processes signals from these enabled lines during an active interval, using a timing controller to generate and decode column addresses and control active road circuits and correlated double sampling circuits based on column selection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If all column lines are processed during preview operations, then complete image data is obtained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel array into multiple column line groups and selectively activates only specific column lines based on preview requirements. The column line selection circuit enables only necessary column lines while disabling others, segmenting the processing workload to reduce power consumption while maintaining essential preview functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by processing only a subset of column lines during preview operations rather than all column lines. The column line selection circuit determines which portion of column lines to activate based on preview needs, performing sufficient processing for preview purposes without the excessive processing of all columns, thereby reducing power consumption.
2Loss of energy
If only a portion of column lines is selected for processing, then power consumption is reduced, but image data completeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic column line selection where the set of active column lines can be changed based on different preview requirements and operational modes. The column line selection circuit dynamically adjusts which column lines are enabled, allowing the system to adapt between different levels of data completeness and power consumption based on real-time needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of column line activation from a fixed state (all lines always active) to a variable state where specific column lines are selectively activated. By changing the activation parameter based on preview requirements, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and image data completeness for different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The image sensor includes a plurality of column lines, a plurality of active road circuits and a selection circuit. The plurality of column lines are each connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of pixels. The plurality of active road circuits are each connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of column lines. The selection circuit is configured to enable a portion of the plurality of active road circuits based on a plurality of column selection signals.