Imaging Device Pixel Bit Width Conversion for Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining high frame rates and pixel density, leading to complex signal processing unit designs due to varying pixel colors across operation modes.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a conversion unit that outputs digital data from a plurality of ports, where in one mode it outputs data of one color from one port and data of another color from another port, simplifying signal processing by maintaining consistent color output across modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pixel color varies depending on operation mode to enable flexible readout configurations, then the adaptability of the imaging device is improved, but the signal processing unit design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple independently controllable readout channels, each capable of reading pixel values of any color. This segmentation allows the imaging device to flexibly configure which channels are active in different operation modes without requiring complex signal processing unit design changes, as each channel operates independently with standardized output.
Solution Approach 2:
Each readout channel is designed to be universal, capable of reading pixel values for any color (R, G, B, etc.) rather than being dedicated to a specific color. This multi-functionality allows the same channel to serve different purposes in different operation modes, improving adaptability while maintaining a consistent, simple channel design that does not complicate the signal processing unit.
2Productivity
If multiple channels are used for high-speed readout to increase frame rate, then the productivity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device dynamically adjusts the number of active readout channels based on the operation mode and required frame rate. In high-speed modes, multiple channels are activated to achieve high frame rates. In lower-speed modes, fewer channels are used to reduce power consumption. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize the trade-off between productivity and energy consumption in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (number of active channels, readout speed) based on the required performance level. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the device can achieve high frame rates when needed while consuming less power during normal operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device comprising an imaging unit that outputs digital data of a pixel value indicating one of colors for each pixel and a conversion unit that outputs from ports I pieces of the digital data that has been input from the imaging unit in a first mode and output from part of the ports J (J<I) pieces of digital data obtained from the I pieces of the digital data of the same color that has been input from the imaging unit in a second mode is provided. When outputting digital data of pixels of a single row in the imaging unit in the both modes, the conversion unit outputs digital data of a first color from a first port and outputs digital data of a second color from a second port.