Solid-State Imaging Apparatus Analog-to-Digital Conversion During Training Sequence

Solution Overview

Problem

In solid-state imaging apparatuses, there is a waiting period after the termination of a training sequence until the start of pixel data output, which increases power consumption and delays the start of pixel output due to the need for an idle code to maintain clock phase locking.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus transmits a test signal concurrently with the analog-to-digital conversion of the analog signal during the training sequence period, allowing immediate transition to digital signal transmission after the training sequence, thereby eliminating the waiting period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transmitting unit sends idle code to maintain clock phase locking after training sequence, then clock phase locking is maintained, but waiting period increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock phase lockingVSAvoidwaiting period

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The analog-to-digital conversion unit performs preliminary conversion of analog signals during the training sequence transmission period. This preliminary action allows the digital signals to be ready for immediate transmission after the training sequence, eliminating the need for idle code and reducing the waiting period while maintaining clock phase locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the analog-to-digital conversion operation continuous by performing it during the training sequence transmission period rather than stopping it. This continuous useful action ensures that digital signal output can immediately follow the training sequence without interruption, eliminating the waiting period and reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable clock phase locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If the transmitting unit sends idle code to maintain clock phase locking after training sequence, then clock phase locking is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock phase lockingVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The analog-to-digital conversion unit performs preliminary conversion of analog signals during the training sequence transmission period. This preliminary action allows the digital signals to be ready for immediate transmission after the training sequence, eliminating the need for idle code and reducing the waiting period while maintaining clock phase locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the analog-to-digital conversion operation continuous by performing it during the training sequence transmission period rather than stopping it. This continuous useful action ensures that digital signal output can immediately follow the training sequence without interruption, eliminating the waiting period and reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable clock phase locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the transmitting unit sends idle code to maintain clock phase locking after training sequence, then clock phase locking is maintained, but pixel output is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock phase lockingVSAvoidpixel output speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The analog-to-digital conversion unit performs preliminary conversion of analog signals during the training sequence transmission period. This preliminary action allows the digital signals to be ready for immediate transmission after the training sequence, eliminating the need for idle code and reducing the waiting period while maintaining clock phase locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the analog-to-digital conversion operation continuous by performing it during the training sequence transmission period rather than stopping it. This continuous useful action ensures that digital signal output can immediately follow the training sequence without interruption, eliminating the waiting period and reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable clock phase locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9900535B2Solid-state imaging apparatus, imaging system and method for driving solid-state imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 CANON KK

AI summary

A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a pixel region configured to output an analog signal; an analog-to-digital conversion unit configured to convert the analog signal into a digital signal; and a transmitting unit configured to perform a transmission of a test signal and the digital signal obtained as a result of the conversion by the analog-to-digital conversion unit, the digital signal being transmitted subsequently to the test signal, and the analog-to-digital conversion unit converts the analog signal into the digital signal during a period of the transmission of the test signal by the transmitting unit.