Image Sensor Read-Out Block Parallel Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the resolution of image sensing devices increases, the number of pixel signals to be read out within a limited time frame grows, leading to slower read-out speeds due to the increased number of row and column lines, which can result in incomplete signal retrieval within the allotted time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a read-out control block that generates selection address signals and address clock signals with higher frequencies, including a judge clock signal twice that of the source clock signal, and a read-out block that reads pixel signals using a double data rate (DDR) scheme through multiple channels, allowing for simultaneous reading of digital signals across channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels and resolution are increased, then image quality is improved, but the read-out time becomes excessively long due to the increased number of row and column lines
Solution Approach 1:
The read-out block is divided into multiple independent read-out units (first read-out unit, second read-out unit, etc.), each capable of reading out pixel signals from different column lines simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple pixel signals, thereby reducing the total read-out time while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a sequential read-out approach to a parallel read-out approach by introducing multiple read-out units operating simultaneously. This dimensional change in the read-out architecture enables multiple pixel signals to be processed concurrently across different channels, effectively reducing read-out time without compromising image resolution.
2Measurement precision
If the number of row and column lines is increased to support higher resolution, then image quality is improved, but the read-out speed decreases due to the limited number of channels
Solution Approach 1:
The read-out block is segmented into multiple independent read-out units, each with its own read-out channel. This allows pixel signals from multiple column lines to be read out through different channels simultaneously, thereby increasing read-out speed while supporting high resolution through the segmented parallel architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each read-out unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle pixel signals from multiple column lines. The read-out units can be selectively activated based on the imaging requirements, providing a universal solution that adapts to different resolution needs while maintaining high read-out speed through parallel operation.
3Productivity
If more pixel signals are read out during unit row time, then the data throughput is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented and distributed across multiple independent read-out units rather than centralized in a single complex control circuit. Each read-out unit contains its own control logic for managing pixel signals from specific column lines, which simplifies the overall control architecture while enabling high data throughput through parallel operation of multiple units.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing device includes a read-out control block suitable for generating a selection address signal and one or more address clock signals based on a source address signal, and a judge clock signal having a higher frequency than a source clock signal; and a read-out block suitable for reading out a plurality of pixel signals in response to the selection address signal, the address clock signals and the judge clock signal.