Image Sensor Pixel Array for Visible Light Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating visible light communication technology into existing electronic products to enhance its applicability and effectively sense visible light signals while maintaining existing functions is a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A visible light communication sensor that combines an image sensor with a sensing module, image data readout circuit, and visible light communication data readout circuit, utilizing a portion of pixel units for image sensing and another portion for visible light communication, allowing simultaneous or time-divided operation to output both image and communication data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an image sensor is used for image sensing, then image sensing function is provided, but visible light communication function cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed to perform both image sensing and visible light communication receiving functions using the same pixel array and readout circuitry. The sensor can switch between or simultaneously perform both functions, making a single device universal for multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array is divided into different regions or groups that can be selectively activated for image sensing or visible light communication. Some pixels are used for image capture while others are dedicated to receiving VLC signals, allowing functional segmentation within the same sensor structure.
2Productivity
If the sensing module performs image sensing operation, then image data is captured, but visible light communication signals cannot be received
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor alternates between image sensing operations and visible light communication receiving operations in periodic time slots. During image sensing frames, the sensor captures images, and during designated communication frames, it receives VLC signals, enabling both functions to be performed systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
Only a portion of the pixel array is actively used for image sensing at any given time, while other portions are reserved or activated for visible light communication. This partial utilization allows the sensor to maintain image sensing capability while dedicating resources to communication functions.
3Reliability
If a separate visible light communication sensor is added, then visible light communication function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light communication receiving function is merged with the image sensing function in a single sensor device. Both functions share common components including the pixel array, readout circuits, and signal processing units, eliminating the need for separate dedicated VLC sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed as a universal device that can perform both image capture and visible light communication reception, replacing the need for separate specialized sensors and reducing overall system component count.
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
Enables effective and accurate sensing of visible light signals while maintaining existing image sensing functions, enhancing the applicability of visible light communication technology in electronic products.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion of the plurality of pixel units receives the visible light communication signal
Data Source
AI summary
A visible light communication sensor is provided. The visible light communication sensor includes a sensing module, an image data readout circuit, and a visible light communication data readout circuit. The sensing module includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array. When the sensing module performs an image sensing operation, a first portion of the pixel units performs an image sensing operation, and the image data readout circuit is idle. When the sensing module performs a visible light communication operation, a second portion of the plurality of pixel units receives a visible light communication signal, so that the visible light communication data readout circuit outputs the visible light communication data, and the image data readout circuit performs an analog-to-digital conversion on a plurality of image sensing signals outputted by the first portion of the plurality of pixel units performed in the image sensing operation to output image sensing data.