Image Sensor Module Feedback DC Offset Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In line image sensor modules used for scanners and copying machines, the voltage level of the common signal line tends to attenuate from the DC offset to ground level after the final image sensor completes its output, causing the signal processing circuit to deviate from a signal-processable range, potentially preventing it from processing earlier received image signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor module includes a feedback unit that feeds back a timing signal from the last image sensor to the first image sensor, allowing the first image sensor to recognize the completion of signal output from all sensors and output a DC offset to the common signal line, maintaining the voltage level and preventing attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple image sensors output signals sequentially to a common signal line using DC offset as reference, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the voltage level of the common signal line attenuates from DC offset to ground level after the final sensor completes output, causing the signal processing circuit to deviate from signal-processable range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal processing circuit detects the voltage level of the common signal line and generates a feedback signal to adjust the DC offset level. This closed-loop control ensures the voltage level remains within the signal-processable range, resolving the attenuation issue while maintaining the simple shared signal line structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the DC offset parameter based on the detected voltage level attenuation. By changing the DC offset level in response to signal line conditions, the system maintains reliable signal processing without requiring separate signal lines for each sensor
2Ease of operation
If the common signal line voltage level attenuates to ground level after final sensor output, then no additional control signals are needed, but the signal processing circuit cannot process image signals effectively as it deviates from signal-processable range
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism automatically detects voltage level deviations and adjusts the DC offset accordingly, eliminating the need for external control signals while ensuring continuous signal-processable voltage levels, thus maintaining both ease of operation and signal processing productivity
3Reliability
If separate signal lines are used for each image sensor to prevent voltage attenuation, then signal processing reliability is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate signal lines, the patent employs feedback control on the shared signal line to maintain voltage levels within the signal-processable range, achieving reliable signal processing with a simpler single shared signal line structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the DC offset parameter to compensate for voltage attenuation on the shared signal line, maintaining signal processing reliability without requiring multiple separate signal lines
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 solution maintains the voltage level of the common signal line near the DC offset, preventing attenuation and ensuring the signal processing circuit can process image signals promptly and accurately, while also reducing manufacturing costs and external control signal requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of image sensors includes a photoelectric conversion unit
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image sensor module including a plurality of image sensors and a common signal line. The common signal line is commonly electrically connected to the plurality of image sensors. To the common signal line, image signals are output sequentially from the plurality of image sensors. The image sensor module feeds back a feedback signal from a first image sensor to a predetermined image sensor. The first image sensor is an image sensor which lastly outputs the image signal among the plurality of image sensors. The predetermined image sensor is an image sensor which outputs an offset signal to the common signal among the plurality of image sensors. The feedback signal indicates a completion of an output of image signal to the common signal line. The predetermined image sensor outputs the offset signal to the common signal line in response to the feedback signal.