Image Sensor Chip Dynamic Pixel Enable for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
CMOS image sensors in mobile environments face a trade-off between power consumption and performance, requiring minimal power consumption while maintaining performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for an image sensor chip that includes a color sensor pixel and a dynamic vision sensor (DVS) pixel, where the DVS pixel is enabled by default, and the mode selection signal is adjusted based on the pixel signal output to determine whether to enable the color sensor pixel, allowing for efficient power management and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the color sensor pixel is enabled to maintain performance, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pixel enabling by controlling the row driver to selectively activate only specific rows containing motion sensor pixels when motion detection is required, rather than enabling all color sensor pixels continuously. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain image quality when needed while significantly reducing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pixel array into different functional regions with color sensor pixels and motion sensor pixels arranged in specific patterns. By enabling only localized rows or regions rather than the entire array, the system can maintain performance in specific areas while conserving power in other areas, achieving local optimization of the power-quality tradeoff.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the DVS pixel is enabled by default for motion sensing, then power consumption is reduced, but color image capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the image sensor chip to include both color sensor pixels and motion sensor pixels (DVS pixels) within the same pixel array, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions. The row driver and control circuit enable the system to switch between color imaging mode, motion detection mode, and hybrid modes, providing universal functionality that adapts to different application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different sensing modes by controlling which rows are enabled through the row driver. When motion detection is the priority, only DVS pixel rows are enabled; when color imaging is needed, color sensor pixel rows are enabled; and when both are required, multiple rows can be enabled simultaneously. This dynamic mode switching provides versatility while maintaining low power consumption.
3Loss of information
If all pixels are enabled simultaneously, then complete image data is captured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple rows with different functional characteristics, allowing independent control of each row through the row driver. This segmentation enables the system to activate only the specific rows needed for the current task rather than enabling all pixels simultaneously, thus maintaining image data completeness for the required function while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by enabling only a subset of rows rather than the entire pixel array. The row driver selectively activates rows containing motion sensor pixels or color sensor pixels based on the current operational requirements, providing sufficient image data for the specific task while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from enabling all pixels.
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
This approach minimizes power consumption while maintaining performance by dynamically switching between color and motion sensing modes, optimizing power usage in CMOS image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A unit DVS pixel may include a photodiode 117-1
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an image sensor chip, which includes a color sensor pixel and a dynamic vision sensor (DVS) pixel sensing a motion of an object, is provided. The method includes enabling one of the color sensor pixel and the DVS pixel according to a mode selection signal and processing a pixel signal output from the enabled pixel.