Imaging Apparatus Built-in Memory Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing imaging apparatuses rely on external DRAMs for signal processing, leading to high power consumption and increased hacking risks due to the need for substrate areas for mounting these components.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a built-in memory system that includes a storage unit with selectively designatable power distribution states, allowing for efficient processing and storage of digital image data, along with an image processing unit and a control unit to manage power distribution, enabling processing such as rotation and recognition without external dependencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If external DRAMs are mounted on substrates for signal processing, then substrate area is increased, but power consumption increases and hacking risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the memory function into the imaging apparatus by providing a storage unit integrated with the image processing unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate external DRAMs, thereby reducing substrate area while also reducing power consumption associated with external memory interfaces and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit is designed to serve multiple functions: storing digital image data, providing working memory for the image processing unit, and enabling various signal processing operations (enlarging, reducing, trimming, distortion correction, rotation). This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate external memory components.
2Area of stationary object
If external DRAMs are mounted on substrates for signal processing, then substrate area is increased, but hacking risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the storage unit within the imaging apparatus rather than using external DRAMs, the patent reduces the attack surface for hacking. The unified architecture eliminates external memory interfaces that could be targeted, thereby reducing hacking risks while maintaining compact substrate area.
3Use of energy by moving object
If built-in memory is used for signal processing, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is divided into multiple regions that can be independently controlled for power distribution. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary memory regions during processing, reducing overall power consumption while managing complexity through modular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution state for each region in the storage unit can be dynamically switched based on processing needs. This dynamic power management allows the system to adapt memory availability and power consumption to the current processing requirements, balancing performance and energy efficiency.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If multiple regions with selective power distribution are implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages power distribution to different storage regions based on the processing requirements of the image processing unit. This self-service approach allows the system to optimize power efficiency without requiring complex external control mechanisms, as the control unit autonomously decides which regions need power based on active processing tasks.
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
This solution reduces power consumption and minimizes hacking risks by enabling efficient signal processing and storage within the imaging apparatus, allowing for robust image processing and recognition tasks without the need for external DRAMs.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array unit that includes a plurality of pixels performing photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
Signal processing is performed using a built-in memory. An imaging apparatus includes: a pixel array unit that includes a plurality of pixels performing photoelectric conversion; a converter that converts an analog pixel signal output from the pixel array unit into digital image data; an image processing unit that performs image processing on the digital image data; and a storage unit that includes a plurality of regions for which a power distribution state is able to be selectively designated, and stores at least the digital image data output by the image processing unit.