Imaging Device Pixel Addition Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining image quality, as they often require frequent analog-to-digital conversions without pixel addition, leading to increased power consumption and decreased image quality when pixel addition is used to reduce conversion frequency.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus employs a pixel array with transfer transistors, a scan circuit, an event detection unit, and a mode control unit to switch between pixel addition and normal modes based on event detection, performing analog-to-digital conversion only in the pixel addition mode and controlling exposure based on luminance integral data, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If pixel addition is performed to reduce the number of AD conversions, then power consumption is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between pixel addition mode and normal mode based on event detection results. The imaging device operates in pixel addition mode during normal conditions to reduce power consumption, and transitions to normal mode when events are detected to maintain high image quality. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the operation mode to actual imaging needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operation parameter (pixel addition or normal operation) based on detection results. By modifying the operational state of the pixel array and scan circuit according to whether events are detected, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and image quality across different scenarios.
2Manufacturing precision
If frames are captured without pixel addition to maintain image quality, then the number of AD conversions increases and power consumption grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic event detection at specific intervals during imaging. By detecting events at predetermined intervals and switching modes accordingly, the system avoids continuous high-power operation while maintaining image quality when needed. The periodic detection approach reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous normal mode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on detected events, transitioning between low-power pixel addition mode and high-quality normal mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain high image quality only when necessary (when events are detected) while operating in power-saving mode during normal conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pixel addition mode is used continuously to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to capture high-quality event images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback from event detection results to control mode switching. The detection unit continuously monitors for events and provides feedback signals that trigger mode transitions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system maintains high event detection capability by switching to normal mode when events are detected, while preserving power consumption benefits during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device automatically switches between operation modes based on its own detection results without external intervention. The system self-regulates its operation state by using its detection capability to control its own power consumption and image quality settings, ensuring both energy efficiency and reliable event capture.
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 approach effectively reduces power consumption by limiting analog-to-digital conversions to only when pixel addition is necessary, while maintaining image quality by adjusting exposure and mode settings based on event detection, resulting in lower power usage compared to continuous operation without pixel addition.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array unit provided with a plurality of transfer transistors that transfer the charges from mutually different photoelectric conversion devices to a floating diffusion layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The power consumption is reduced in an imaging apparatus that detects the presence or absence of an event. In a pixel array unit, a plurality of transfer transistors that transfer charges from mutually different photoelectric conversion devices to a floating diffusion layer is provided. A scan circuit simultaneously controls the plurality of transfer transistors in a pixel addition mode in which pixel addition is performed, to transfer the charges and sequentially controls the plurality of transfer transistors in a normal mode in which pixel addition is not performed, to transfer the charges. An event detection unit detects the presence or absence of a predetermined event on the basis of an addition signal which is an analog signal generated in the normal mode, and generates a detection result. A mode control unit sets one of the pixel addition mode and the normal mode on the basis of the detection result.