Imaging Device Analog DCT Processing Low Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices require significant power for digital image processing and often necessitate A/D conversion for data transmission, which increases power consumption and complicates high-speed operation, especially under low illuminance conditions and wide temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with an integrated pixel array and memory element array that performs discrete cosine transforms without A/D conversion, utilizing oxide semiconductors for transistors with low off-state current, enabling low power consumption and high-speed operation across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If digital image processing is performed for data compression, then the amount of transmission data is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs discrete cosine transform (DCT) processing in the analog domain before A/D conversion, rather than after conversion to digital data. This preliminary action in the analog domain reduces the computational burden and power consumption of subsequent digital processing while achieving the same data compression effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces digital signal processing operations with analog circuit operations. Specifically, analog processing circuits perform the DCT function that would traditionally require digital computation, thereby substituting a power-intensive digital mechanical system with a more energy-efficient analog system.
2Ease of operation
If A/D conversion is performed for data transmission, then data can be transmitted digitally, but power consumption increases and high-speed operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and performs the essential image processing functions (DCT) in the analog domain, separating this power-intensive operation from the digital domain. This allows A/D conversion to be minimized or eliminated for certain processing stages, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining digital transmission capabilities.
3Use of energy by moving object
If transistors with low off-state current are used, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional semiconductor to oxide semiconductor, which inherently provides low off-state current characteristics. This material parameter change enables low power consumption while the associated manufacturing processes (such as sputtering with specific conditions) are designed to achieve the required film quality.
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
The solution allows for efficient image processing with reduced power consumption, enabling high-resolution imaging under low illuminance and wide temperature ranges while maintaining a high aperture ratio and dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first pixels includes a photoelectric conversion element that generates imaging data
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device with an arithmetic processing function is provided. In the semiconductor device, an imaging portion and an arithmetic portion are electrically connected to each other through an analog processing circuit 24. The imaging portion includes a pixel array 21 in which pixels 20 used for imaging and reference pixels 22 used for image processing are arranged in a matrix, and a row decoder 25. The arithmetic portion includes a memory element array 31 in which memory elements 30 and reference memory elements 32 are arranged in a matrix, an analog processing circuit 34, a row decoder 35, and a column decoder 36.