Image Sensor Power Supply Block Mode Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors and electronic devices face inefficiencies in power consumption and resolution adjustment between normal and vision modes, leading to unnecessary power usage and varying image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with operation blocks that can selectively turn on/off based on mode, featuring a power supply block to manage power distribution, an active pixel array, analog, and digital blocks, allowing for reduced power consumption and adjustable resolution between normal and vision modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all operation blocks are always powered on to maintain high image quality and fast response, then image quality and response speed are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by selectively powering on or off specific operation blocks (analog block, digital block, memory block) based on the current operation mode. In normal mode, all blocks are powered on for full functionality. In vision mode, only necessary blocks are powered on, dynamically adapting power consumption to operational requirements while maintaining image quality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power supply states for different blocks based on mode selection. The power supply block receives mode signals and adjusts power delivery accordingly, changing the operational state of various blocks from fully powered to selectively powered, thereby resolving the contradiction between power consumption and performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If resolution is reduced in vision mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing functionality into distinct operation blocks (analog block for signal conversion, digital block for processing, memory block for storage). In vision mode, the system selectively activates only the analog block for basic signal conversion while powering down the digital and memory blocks, achieving power reduction without completely sacrificing image capture capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all blocks are always active to handle both normal and vision modes, then mode adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply block is designed as a universal control unit that handles both normal mode and vision mode power management through a single integrated structure. It receives mode signals and automatically configures power distribution to appropriate blocks, providing multi-functional power control without requiring separate control circuits for each mode, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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
The solution enables efficient power usage and adjustable image resolution, optimizing performance in both normal and vision modes by selectively activating blocks, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption and enhancing image data processing.
Implementation Method 1
an active pixel array block configured to generate an analog signal based on the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor is provided which includes a plurality of operation blocks configured to provide an image signal in response to an incident light, and a power supply block configured to supply a power to one or more operation blocks of the plurality of operation blocks based on a selected operation mode or operation interval. The operation mode is one of at least a first mode and a second mode, and a resolution of the image signal generated in the second mode is lower than that generated in the first mode.