Image Sensor Pixel Access Control for Multi-Frame Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors lack the flexibility to efficiently implement different pixel access settings for various image frames, limiting their ability to capture images with diverse properties such as resolution and color without wasting pixel data or causing concurrent usage issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of context switching circuitry and pixel access control circuitry allows for seamless integration of multiple pixel access settings within a single image sensor array, enabling the generation of image frames with different properties by controlling row control circuitry to manage shutter and readout operations independently for different pixel access settings, using active and inactive pixels to balance the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pixel array uses a single pixel access setting for all image frames, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the adaptability to capture different types of image frames (e.g., full color, monochrome, different resolutions) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pixel access control by enabling the pixel array to switch between different pixel access settings (e.g., full color, monochrome, different resolutions) on a per-frame basis. The pixel access control circuitry dynamically configures the pixel array according to the specific requirements of each image frame, allowing the system to adapt to diverse imaging needs without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pixel array universal by designing it to perform multiple functions through different pixel access settings. The same physical pixel array can capture full color images, monochrome images, and images at different resolutions by changing the access pattern, eliminating the need for separate hardware configurations for each imaging mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pixel array switches between different pixel access settings for different image frames, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service operation by enabling the pixel access control circuitry to automatically configure and switch between different pixel access settings based on the required image frame type. The system autonomously manages the complexity of switching modes without requiring manual intervention, making the operation as simple as selecting the desired imaging mode while the hardware handles the complex configuration automatically.
3Productivity
If multiple pixel access settings are implemented simultaneously, then the productivity and efficiency of capturing diverse image frames are improved, but the risk of concurrent usage conflicts and invalid data output increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pixel array into different operational regions or groups that can be accessed according to different settings simultaneously. The pixel access control circuitry manages multiple access patterns by directing different portions of the pixel array or different time slots to different configurations, allowing parallel processing of multiple image frame types while preventing conflicts through structured resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the pixel access control circuitry with multiple pixel access settings and transition protocols. Before switching between modes, the system prepares the necessary configuration changes in advance, ensuring smooth transitions and preventing concurrent usage conflicts. This proactive management of mode switching maintains data validity while enabling efficient multi-mode operation.
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 allows for efficient generation of image frames with varying properties, such as full color and monochrome, or different resolutions, without invalid data output, by temporally overlapping shutter and read operations across frames, thereby enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of image capture.
Implementation Method 1
The image pixels contain a photodiode for generating charge in response to light (e.g., by photoelectric conversion)
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor may include an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns. Row control circuitry may be coupled to the array of pixels to reset, control charge transfer, and read out operations. Pixel access circuitry in processing circuitry may provide control signals to row control circuitry to access the array of pixels using multiple pixel access settings. In particular, by using multiple pixel access setting, the array of pixels may successively and efficiently generate image frames of different types.