Navigation Sensor Die Size Reduction via Dynamic Frame Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigation sensors have a maximum speed limit due to the requirement for sufficient overlap between incoming and reference images, leading to a large silicon die size and limited miniaturization, which hinders cost reduction and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A navigation device with a smaller image sensor array and control circuit configured for ultra-high frame rates, dynamically adjusting the frame rate based on image overlap to determine movement, utilizing a high-speed transfer amplifier and ADC, and selecting images with varying acquisition times to maintain effective overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a conventional navigation sensor uses a fixed frame rate acquisition system, then the navigation processing can be simplified, but the silicon die size cannot be reduced below 30%-45% of expensive die area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed frame rate acquisition system to a variable frame rate system. The frame rate is dynamically adjusted based on the detected motion speed of the navigation sensor, allowing the system to optimize between image overlap requirements and silicon die size constraints. This dynamic adaptation enables smaller die sizes while maintaining navigation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of frame rate from a fixed value to a variable value that adapts to motion conditions. By modifying the acquisition rate parameter based on detected displacement, the system can maintain sufficient image overlap for navigation processing while reducing the silicon die size requirement, directly resolving the contradiction between area reduction and system complexity.
2Speed
If the navigation sensor moves at high speed, then the navigation capability is improved, but the overlap between incoming image and reference image becomes too small for proper processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the frame rate based on the detected motion speed. When the navigation sensor moves faster, the frame rate increases to capture images more frequently, ensuring that sufficient overlap is maintained between consecutive images. This dynamic response allows high-speed navigation while preserving processing reliability through adequate image overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the overlap between incoming and reference images and adjusting the frame rate accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the acquisition system adapts to maintain minimum overlap requirements, thereby preserving navigation processing reliability even at high speeds.
3Area of moving object
If the pixel array size is reduced to save die area, then the silicon die size is reduced, but the overlap between images becomes insufficient for proper navigation processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic frame rate adjustment to compensate for the smaller pixel array size. By increasing the frame rate when the navigation sensor moves, the system maintains sufficient overlap between consecutive images even with a reduced pixel array. This dynamic adaptation allows smaller die area while preserving navigation measurement precision through adequate overlap maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation device having a small navigation sensor pixel array capable of ultra high speed imaging is proposed. A first image and a second image of a plurality of images are selected according to a predetermined difference between the corresponding acquisition times of the first image and the second image. The first image and the second image are compared to determine an amount of overlap between the first image and the second image. The predetermined difference is adjusted for subsequent image comparisons according to the amount of overlap between the first image and the second image.