Image Sensor Differential Readout for Distortion-Free Dynamic Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors require high hardware costs and complex circuit designs to achieve dynamic vision sensing, often resulting in distorted images due to the need for two sets of sensing arrays or readout circuits.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design that includes a photodiode, first and second storage circuits, and first and second readout circuits, where the storage circuits store dynamic vision sensing signals during exposure periods and the readout circuits output these signals as differential signals to a differential amplifier, allowing for effective dynamic vision sensing without image distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two sets of sensing arrays or readout circuits are used to achieve dynamic vision sensing, then dynamic vision sensing capability is improved, but hardware cost and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate sensing arrays into a single sensing array that can perform both dynamic vision sensing and static image sensing. The single sensing array uses two storage circuits per pixel to capture and store signals from two different exposure periods, eliminating the need for duplicate sensing arrays and reducing hardware complexity while maintaining dynamic vision sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensing array is designed to serve multiple functions: it can perform dynamic vision sensing by capturing moving objects across two exposure periods, and it can also perform static image sensing. This multi-functional design allows one sensing array to replace two, reducing hardware cost and circuit complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If two sets of sensing arrays or readout circuits are used to achieve dynamic vision sensing, then dynamic vision sensing capability is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of two sensing arrays into one, using a single sensing array with two storage circuits per pixel to achieve dynamic vision sensing. This merging reduces the quantity of hardware components needed, thereby lowering hardware cost while maintaining the capability to sense dynamic vision
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dynamic vision sensing is used, then dynamic vision sensing is achieved, but image distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two storage circuits to preliminarily capture and store the sensing signals from two different exposure periods before any processing occurs. By storing the raw signals from both exposure periods without intermediate processing that could introduce distortion, the system preserves the accuracy of the dynamic vision information and enables subsequent differential processing that eliminates image distortion
4Quantity of substance
If a single sensing array is used, then hardware cost is reduced, but dynamic vision sensing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where two storage circuits are integrated within each pixel of a single sensing array. This nesting allows the single sensing array to perform the functions of two separate arrays by storing and processing signals from two different exposure periods, thereby maintaining dynamic vision sensing capability while reducing hardware cost
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 enables high-speed object detection without image distortion, reducing hardware costs and circuit complexity while improving dynamic vision sensing results.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode, a first storage circuit coupled to the photodiode, a first readout circuit coupled to the first storage circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor and an image sensing method are provided. The image sensor includes a photodiode, a first storage circuit, a first readout circuit, a second storage circuit, and a second readout circuit. When the image sensor is operated in a dynamic vision sensing mode, the first storage circuit stores a first dynamic vision sensing signal provided by the photodiode during a first exposure period of a first frame period, and the second storage circuit stores a second dynamic vision sensing signal provided by the photodiode during a second exposure period of the first frame period. The first readout circuit and the second readout circuit output a first readout signal and a second readout signal to a first input terminal and a second input terminal of a differential amplifier at the same time according to the first dynamic vision sensing signal and the second dynamic vision sensing signal.