Semiconductor Imaging Pixel Circuit with Difference Data Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices face challenges in achieving high-speed operation, reduced area, and low power consumption, especially in handling increased image data from higher pixel counts in imaging elements.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a pixel portion, a first circuit for converting light into digital signal data, and a second circuit for controlling output, including a third circuit that determines differences in data between frame periods to selectively power the first and second circuits only when necessary, using oxide semiconductor transistors and selenium-based photoelectric conversion elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of pixels in imaging elements is increased, then the amount of data obtained by imaging is increased, but higher speed of reading or transfer of data is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information by calculating difference data between consecutive frames. Instead of transmitting all pixel data, only the changes (differences) are extracted and transmitted, significantly reducing the data quantity that needs to be read and transferred.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging data is segmented into reference frame data and difference data. The system divides the data processing into separate stages: capturing full frame data, comparing with reference, extracting differences, and transmitting only the difference portion. This segmentation reduces the overall data transmission burden.
2Productivity
If data compression is implemented to handle increased image data, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but additional processing circuits are required which increases area usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the difference calculation function directly into the pixel portion itself. The pixels perform both image capture and difference calculation operations, eliminating the need for separate compression circuits. This integration achieves data compression while minimizing additional area usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel portion is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the light-sensitive imaging element and as the difference calculation unit. This universal design allows a single structure to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated compression hardware.
3Speed
If continuous data transmission is performed to maintain high speed operation, then data freshness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by transmitting data only when differences between frames are detected. Instead of continuous transmission, the system periodically compares frames and transmits only when necessary (when changes occur), reducing power consumption while maintaining data freshness when updates are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transmission operation is made dynamic rather than static. The transmission circuit is activated only when difference data is detected, and remains inactive when no changes occur. This dynamic operation adapts the power consumption to the actual need for data transmission, reducing energy usage during static scenes.
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 configuration enables high-speed operation, reduced area usage, and low power consumption by selectively powering circuits based on data differences, optimizing data compression and transmission in imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of pixels has a function of converting irradiation light to generate first data
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a novel semiconductor device, a semiconductor device capable of operating at a high speed, or a semiconductor device with reduced area, or a semiconductor device with low power consumption. The semiconductor device which has a function of taking a moving image includes a pixel portion including a plurality of pixels, a first circuit, and a second circuit. Each of the plurality of pixels has a function of converting irradiation light to generate first data and a function of generating second data corresponding to a difference between the first data in a first frame period and the first data in a second frame period. The first circuit has a function of converting the second data into a digital signal and outputting the digital signal as compressed data of the moving image. The second circuit has a function of controlling output of the compressed data.