Image Sensor Pixel Averaging for Faster Low-Noise Readout

Solution Overview

Problem

Current image signal processors face limitations in processing speed and data volume, making it difficult to generate and process image frames efficiently, especially when converting analog pixel signals to digital signals, which results in noise and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An image sensing system that includes a pixel array with multiple pixels of the same color, an analog-to-digital converter circuit, and an average calculator that merges pixel data to reduce noise and data volume, allowing for faster processing without increasing clock speed or chip size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If analog pixel signals are converted to digital signals individually, then digital image data is obtained, but noise increases and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges pixel data from multiple pixels of the same color before digital processing. Specifically, it combines data from two pixels of the same color to generate a single piece of merged pixel data, which is then converted to a single piece of digital image data. This merging approach maintains signal quality while reducing the total number of conversions needed, thereby improving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If all pixel data is processed individually, then complete image information is obtained, but data alignment burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage information completenessVSAvoiddata alignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges pixel data from multiple pixels of the same color before digital processing. Specifically, it combines data from two pixels of the same color to generate a single piece of merged pixel data, which is then converted to a single piece of digital image data. This merging approach maintains signal quality while reducing the total number of conversions needed, thereby improving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If more pixels are used to improve image quality, then image resolution increases, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges pixel data from multiple pixels of the same color before digital processing. Specifically, it combines data from two pixels of the same color to generate a single piece of merged pixel data, which is then converted to a single piece of digital image data. This merging approach maintains signal quality while reducing the total number of conversions needed, thereby improving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11172149B2Image sensing system using average pixel data and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An image sensing system includes a pixel array, an analog-to-digital converter circuit, and an average calculator. The analog-to-digital converter circuit converts a first pixel signal to first pixel data and converts a second pixel signal to second pixel data. The average calculator generates a first average bit based on a first bit of the first pixel data and a first bit of the second pixel data during a first time and generates a second average bit based on a second bit of the first pixel data and a second bit of the second pixel data during a second time.