Interface Circuit for Image Sensors Using Signal Transport Units

Solution Overview

Problem

The development of interface circuits for image receiving apparatuses that can handle multiple image sensor specifications is hindered by the need for excessive input/output pins, increasing manufacturing costs due to larger circuit areas.

Innovation Solution

The interface circuit employs multiple signal transporting units with buffers, comparators, and selectors that compare and output input signals based on a setting mode, allowing for differential, parallel, or common data transport modes, thereby reducing hardware requirements by enabling single-interface operation across various formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input/output pins are designed to support multiple specifications, then the interface circuit can handle different image sensor formats (MIPI, sub-LVDS, parallel bus), but the circuit area increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The interface circuit employs a universal design where a single set of pins and signal transporting units can handle multiple image sensor formats (MIPI, sub-LVDS, parallel bus) by dynamically switching between different transporting modes. The signal transporting units are configured to support differential, parallel, or common data transport based on the detected sensor type, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface circuit implements dynamic adaptability by detecting the image sensor type and automatically switching between different data transporting modes (differential, parallel, common). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring physical changes or additional dedicated circuits for each sensor format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input/output pins are used to support different specifications, then various image sensor interfaces can be accommodated, but the manufacturing cost increases due to larger circuit area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The interface circuit employs a universal design where a single set of pins and signal transporting units can handle multiple image sensor formats (MIPI, sub-LVDS, parallel bus) by dynamically switching between different transporting modes. The signal transporting units are configured to support differential, parallel, or common data transport based on the detected sensor type, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple dedicated interface circuits into a single unified interface circuit. By combining the signal transporting units and control logic into one integrated structure that can dynamically adapt to different sensor formats, the design reduces the total component count and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining support for all required specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single interface circuit is used to transport multiple signal formats, then hardware complexity is reduced, but the signal transporting units must perform multiple functions (differential, parallel, common transport)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidsignal transport capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interface circuit is segmented into multiple independent signal transporting units, where each unit is responsible for specific signal processing functions. This modular segmentation allows each unit to be independently configured and controlled, enabling the system to switch between different transporting modes (differential, parallel, common) by activating appropriate units rather than requiring a monolithic complex circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface circuit implements dynamic adaptability by detecting the image sensor type and automatically switching between different data transporting modes (differential, parallel, common). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring physical changes or additional dedicated circuits for each sensor format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8754955B2Interface circuit for image receiving apparatus and data transporting method thereof

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 ALTEK SEMICON

AI summary

An interface circuit for an image receiving apparatus is disclosed. The interface circuit includes a plurality of signal transporting units, and each of the signal transporting units has a first signal receiving terminal and a second signal receiving terminal for receiving a first input signal and a second input signal respectively. Each of the signal transporting units compares the first input signal and the second input signal to generate a compare result. Each of the signal transporting units outputs the first input signal and the second input signal and/or the compare result according to a setting mode.