Imaging Apparatus Scanning Circuit Power Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption without reducing the number of pixel signals, which affects their ability to perform appropriate image processing and detect motions in all parts of the captured image data.

Innovation Solution

The imaging apparatus includes a pixel array unit, a scanning circuit that controls output modes between non-addition and pixel addition modes based on digital signals, and an analog-to-digital conversion unit, allowing for efficient power management by switching between modes based on pixel addition data, object speed, and predetermined conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the column ADC partially performs AD conversion on pixel signals from only the cutout region pixels, then power consumption is reduced, but the number of pixel signals read is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnumber of pixel signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel array is divided into a cutout region and a non-cutout region. The scanning circuit selectively scans only the cutout region pixels during the first period, converting and outputting only those pixel signals. This segmentation allows the system to process a subset of pixels for power reduction while preserving the option to process all pixels when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning circuit is designed to dynamically switch between two scanning modes: scanning only the cutout region during the first period, and scanning all pixels during the second period. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to adjust the number of pixel signals read based on power requirements and imaging needs, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and signal quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the column ADC performs AD conversion on all pixel signals, then the number of pixel signals read is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of pixel signalsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning circuit operates in periodic cycles, alternating between a first period where only cutout region pixels are scanned and a second period where all pixels are scanned. This periodic action allows the system to reduce average power consumption while still maintaining the capability to read all pixel signals when required by the imaging application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If pixel signals from non-cutout region are not read, then power consumption is reduced, but motion detection capability is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmotion detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the scanning scope based on operational requirements. During periods when power conservation is prioritized, only the cutout region is scanned. When comprehensive motion detection is needed, the system switches to scanning all pixels. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to balance power consumption with motion detection reliability according to real-time needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning circuit periodically alternates between scanning only the cutout region and scanning all pixels. This periodic full-scan capability ensures that motion detection accuracy is maintained over time, even when power-saving mode is active for portions of the scanning cycle. The periodic comprehensive scanning prevents degradation of motion detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution enables reduced power consumption without reducing the number of pixel signals, allowing for effective image processing and motion detection across the entire image, thereby enhancing the imaging apparatus's efficiency and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

each pixel includes a photodiode that generates charge in accordance with the amount of collected light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10863129B2Imaging apparatus and imaging apparatus control method to reduce power consumption without reduction of number of pixel signals

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

Reducing power consumption without reducing the number of pixel signals in a solid-state imaging element that performs AD conversion of a pixel signal. A pixel array unit includes a plurality of lines each having a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined direction. A scanning circuit sequentially selects the plurality of lines and then controls to output an analog signal from each of the pixels within the selected line in a non-addition mode, and simultaneously selects the plurality of lines and controls to add up the analog signals of each of the pixels arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction and output the added signals in a pixel addition mode. The analog-to-digital conversion unit converts each of the analog signals into a digital signal. The control unit performs control of switching from one of the pixel addition mode and the non-addition mode to the other on the basis of the digital signal.