Image Sensor Variable Channel Interface for Dynamic Transmission Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image sensor technologies face challenges in efficiently adjusting transmission speed and the number of transmission channels based on changing specifications, which is time-consuming and costly, requiring significant redesign when specifications are altered.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor incorporates a variable channel interface structure with clusters and switches that allow for dynamic adjustment of transmission speed and channel allocation, enabling flexible data transmission through multiple channels based on operation modes, and includes physical layers for protocol conversion, facilitating efficient data processing and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image sensor uses a fixed channel interface structure, then the design is simpler and more stable, but the adaptation to changing specifications is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic channel interface structure where the number of transmission channels can be reconfigured based on operation modes. Cluster switches (46-1, 46-2) and bus switches (44-1, 44-2) enable the system to dynamically adjust channel allocation, transitioning between single-channel and dual-channel configurations to adapt to different specification requirements without requiring complete redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor divides the pixel array into multiple clusters (first cluster 400-1 and second cluster 400-2), each with independent buffer memory blocks and data buses. This segmentation allows flexible channel allocation where each cluster can be independently configured to output through different channels based on the required operation mode, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If the image sensor is customized for a specific specification, then power and area are optimized, but redesign is required when specifications change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic operation modes that allow the image sensor to adjust its transmission configuration in real-time. The cluster switches and bus switches enable the system to transition between different channel configurations based on the required frame rate and data volume, optimizing power consumption for each operating condition without requiring physical redesign of the circuit architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor implements a universal channel interface structure that can support multiple operation modes within a single device. The same buffer memory blocks, data buses, and switch networks serve different transmission configurations, allowing the sensor to adapt to various specification requirements while maintaining optimized power and area characteristics across all modes
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission channels are used, then data transmission flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission path into multiple independent channels, each serving specific clusters. The first channel (70-1) and second channel (70-2) can be independently configured, with cluster switches controlling which clusters connect to which channels. This segmentation provides transmission flexibility while keeping each channel's complexity manageable through dedicated resource allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cluster switches (46-1, 46-2) and bus switches (44-1, 44-2) as intermediary components that manage the complexity of multiple channels. These switches act as mediators that dynamically route data between clusters and channels based on operation mode requirements, providing flexible channel allocation while centralizing the complexity management in controllable switching elements
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert analog pixel signals output from the pixels into digital signals, a first cluster configured to store a first group of digital signals among the digital signals and to output first image data, a second cluster configured to store a second group of digital signals among the digital signals and to output second image data, and at least one cluster switch connected to the first cluster and the second cluster, a first channel, and a second channel. The image sensor is configured to transmit at least one among the first image data and the second image data to at least one among the first channel and the second channel based on an operation mode.