Imaging Element Gray-Code Conversion for Smaller Column Counters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing imaging element configurations, such as those using a two-stage gray code latch and ripple counter, result in large mounting areas and high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging element incorporates a gray code latch, a conversion unit that converts gray code to binary code, and a calculation unit that calculates differences between binary codes, allowing for reduced hardware requirements and efficient pixel signal processing, eliminating the need for a ripple counter and thereby minimizing size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-stage configuration of gray code latch and ripple counter is used, then the column counter can function properly, but the mounting area becomes large and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the ripple counter component from the traditional two-stage configuration, retaining only the gray code latch. The gray code latch directly outputs latched gray code signals without requiring a separate ripple counter stage, thereby reducing the mounting area while maintaining the column counter's essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gray code latch is designed to perform multiple functions: it latches the gray code signals from the ADC circuit and simultaneously serves as the column counter output stage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate ripple counter, reducing overall circuit complexity and mounting area.
2Reliability
If a two-stage configuration of gray code latch and ripple counter is used, then the column counter can function properly, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the ripple counter stage from the configuration, the patent eliminates the additional power consumption associated with that component. The gray code latch alone suffices to perform the counting and latching functions, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If the mounting area is reduced by simplifying the column counter configuration, then the apparatus size decreases, but the ability to process pixel signals may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gray code latch is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: latching the gray code signals from the ADC circuit, serving as the column counter output stage, and providing the latched signals directly for subsequent processing. This multi-functional design ensures that pixel signal processing capability is maintained despite the reduced configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The gray code latch serves itself by directly outputting the latched gray code signals without requiring additional counter stages. The latched signals are immediately available for correlation double sampling and other processing operations, maintaining processing efficiency while reducing circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an imaging element and a method for controlling an imaging element, an imaging apparatus, and an electronic apparatus that can reduce the size of the imaging element and can reduce power consumption. First, a gray code corresponding to a P-phase pixel signal of each pixel is converted into a binary code. Then, a difference between a binary code corresponding to the converted same bit and a binary code of the pixel signal in which all bits are 0 and which is latched in a temporary latch is continuously calculated and is latched as the binary code of the P-phase pixel signal in the temporary latch. Then, a gray code corresponding to a D-phase pixel signal of each pixel is converted into a binary code. Then, a difference between a binary code corresponding to the converted same bit and the binary code of P-phase the pixel signal which is latched in the temporary latch is continuously calculated. The present disclosure can be applied to an imaging apparatus.