Image Sensor Edge Extraction Without Analog-to-Digital Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors are inefficient in extracting edge information due to the need for analog-to-digital conversion, which consumes a lot of power and has a slow response time when comparing signal values of adjacent pixels.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design that includes a pixel array, a comparison unit to compare data from adjacent pixels, and a buffer to output frame data, eliminating the need for analog-to-digital conversion, thereby reducing power consumption and improving response speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image sensor structure with analog-to-digital conversion is used, then complete image data can be obtained, but power consumption increases and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary edge information from the complete image data by implementing comparison operations directly in the pixel array. Instead of converting all pixel data to digital format, the system only processes and outputs edge detection results, removing unnecessary data conversion steps and reducing power consumption while maintaining the essential functionality of edge detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs comparison operations between adjacent pixel signals before analog-to-digital conversion. By conducting the edge detection comparison in the analog domain within the pixel array, the system prepares the data in advance to identify edges, eliminating the need for subsequent digital processing of all pixel data and thereby reducing overall power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If conventional image sensor structure with analog-to-digital conversion is used, then complete image data can be obtained, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary edge information from the complete image data by implementing comparison operations directly in the pixel array. Instead of converting all pixel data to digital format, the system only processes and outputs edge detection results, removing unnecessary data conversion steps and reducing power consumption while maintaining the essential functionality of edge detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs comparison operations between adjacent pixel signals before analog-to-digital conversion. By conducting the edge detection comparison in the analog domain within the pixel array, the system prepares the data in advance to identify edges, eliminating the need for subsequent digital processing of all pixel data and thereby reducing overall power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If analog-to-digital conversion unit is included, then digital pixel data can be obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary edge information from the complete image data by implementing comparison operations directly in the pixel array. Instead of converting all pixel data to digital format, the system only processes and outputs edge detection results, removing unnecessary data conversion steps and reducing power consumption while maintaining the essential functionality of edge detection.
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
Enables efficient extraction of edge information without analog-to-digital conversion, reducing power consumption and enhancing response speed by directly comparing and outputting frame data from adjacent pixels.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array including a plurality of pixels that convert an optical image signal incident from a subject into electrical image data
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor is disclosed. The image sensor includes: a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels that convert an optical image signal incident from a subject into electrical image data; a driver configured to output a plurality of control signals for controlling the plurality of pixels; a comparison unit configured to compare pieces of data output from two adjacent pixels and output the comparison result; and a buffer configured to receive output signals output from the comparison unit and output frame data.