Image Sensor Frame Sync Converter for Multi-Chip Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensor chips with different synchronization schemes and resolutions can lead to mis-synchronization and data loss when used together in electronic devices, resulting in erroneous image data and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor group with multiple chips uses a frame synchronization signal converter to generate compatible frame synchronization signals for each chip, ensuring synchronized image data generation and processing across chips with varying characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensor chips with different synchronization schemes are used together, then the device can support diverse sensor characteristics and resolutions, but mis-synchronization and data loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
A frame synchronization signal converter is introduced as an intermediary component between image sensor chips with different synchronization schemes. The converter receives frame synchronization signals from a first image sensor chip, converts them according to the target synchronization scheme, and generates frame synchronization signals for a second image sensor chip. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling diverse sensor support while maintaining reliable synchronization through active signal translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame synchronization signal converter dynamically changes synchronization parameters including signal timing, pulse width, and voltage levels to adapt between different synchronization schemes. By modifying these parameters, the system supports multiple sensor types with different characteristics while maintaining accurate synchronization, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image sensor chips with different resolutions are integrated, then the device can process multiple image qualities, but synchronization errors and data loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The frame synchronization signal converter acts as a mediator that coordinates timing between sensors of different resolutions. It converts frame synchronization signals to match the specific timing requirements of each resolution type, ensuring that data transfer occurs at appropriate intervals and preventing data loss that would result from mismatched synchronization.
3Device complexity
If a unified frame synchronization signal is used for all chips, then synchronization is simplified, but chips with different schemes cannot operate correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization control is segmented into conversion stages. The frame synchronization signal converter divides the synchronization task into receiving signals from the first sensor type, converting them according to specific rules, and generating appropriate signals for the second sensor type. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate with its native synchronization scheme while maintaining overall system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter changes synchronization parameters such as signal timing, frequency, and voltage levels to accommodate different sensor schemes. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains low complexity in the control architecture while achieving high adaptability across different sensor types.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor chip, an electronic device, and a method for operating the image sensor chip are disclosed. The image sensor chip includes a frame synchronization signal converter configured to convert a first frame synchronization signal received from a first image sensor chip to generate a second frame synchronization signal, and an image generation block coupled to the frame synchronization signal converter and configured to generate image data based on the second frame synchronization signal at the same time point as the first frame synchronization signal.