Solid-State Imaging Register Circuit Signal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional solid-state imaging apparatuses, horizontal skipping operations lead to inefficiencies as AD converters and register circuits in skipped columns do not participate in operations, resulting in underutilization of circuits.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging apparatus with a connecting unit that transfers digital signals between register circuits in different columns, allowing for arithmetic processing across columns, thereby reducing the number of non-participating register circuits during horizontal skipping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If horizontal skipping operation is performed to achieve high speed operation, then frame rate is improved, but circuit utilization efficiency deteriorates due to non-participation of AD converters and register circuits in skipped columns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes skipped columns participate in processing by connecting them to arithmetic operation circuits. Specifically, digital signals from skipped columns are transferred to register circuits in other columns and processed arithmetically, allowing these previously idle circuits to contribute to image processing and improving overall circuit utilization efficiency while maintaining high frame rate operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by configuring connecting units that transfer digital signals from skipped columns to active columns, and by providing arithmetic operation circuits that continuously process these signals. This prevents idle periods in skipped columns and maintains continuous productive operation across all circuit elements
2Measurement precision
If horizontal skipping operation is performed to achieve high resolution mode, then image quality is improved, but the number of non-participating register circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of skipped columns with active columns by transferring digital signals from skipped columns to register circuits in other columns through connecting units. This integration allows skipped columns to contribute to the final image output, reducing the number of non-participating register circuits while maintaining high resolution image quality
Data Source
AI summary
If a horizontal skipping operation is performed and operations are performed on the basis of the signals severally held in a plurality of register circuits in a solid-state imaging apparatus including an AD converting circuit in each column to perform the arithmetic processing of a digitized signal, then the AD converters and the register circuits in the columns to be skipped, that is, not to be read out become the state of not participating in the operations, and there is room for an examination in the aspect of the utilization efficiency of the circuits. A unit for connecting a register circuit in a certain column to a register circuit in another column is provided to the solid-state imaging apparatus.