Pixel Array Shutter Control Using Shared Subarray Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition systems face challenges in providing high-speed shutter control for large pixel arrays due to area and power consumption limitations, leading to inefficiencies in temporal and spatial compression, especially in high-frame-rate imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic in-pixel shutter control scheme using a shutter control signal generator circuit that distributes the same set of control signals to multiple subarrays within a pixel array, implemented with simple hardware that occupies minimal area, allowing for efficient temporal and spatial compression by enabling and disabling pixels in groups or individually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional shutter control methods are used for large pixel arrays, then comprehensive pixel control is achieved, but area consumption and power usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple subarrays, each controlled by a separate shutter control circuit. This segmentation allows independent control of smaller groups of pixels, reducing the complexity and power consumption of each individual control circuit while maintaining comprehensive control capability across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic shutter control where only specific subarrays are activated or deactivated based on imaging requirements. This partial action approach reduces overall power consumption by keeping only necessary portions of the pixel array active, rather than controlling the entire array continuously.
2Speed
If high-speed shutter control is implemented for large pixel arrays, then imaging speed increases, but area consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the pixel array into subarrays with dedicated shutter control circuits, the patent achieves high-speed control through parallel processing of smaller groups. Each subarray can be controlled independently at high speed, and the segmented architecture reduces the area required for each control circuit compared to a monolithic control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a subarray dimension for organization and control, transforming the traditional two-dimensional pixel array into a three-dimensional hierarchical structure. This dimensional reorganization enables more efficient routing and control, reducing wire length and circuit area while maintaining high-speed performance.
3Productivity
If individual pixel control is implemented, then spatial compression efficiency increases, but control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into subarrays that can be controlled in groups. This segmentation enables spatial compression by allowing selective activation of specific subarray regions, achieving efficient compression without requiring complex individual pixel control circuits. The group-based control maintains compression efficiency while significantly reducing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter control circuits are designed with universal functionality to handle both individual pixel control and group subarray control. This multi-functionality allows the same control architecture to support fine-grained spatial compression when needed while also enabling coarser control for power saving, reducing the need for separate control paths and simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for shutter control. In some embodiments, the system includes: a pixel array for imaging; and a shutter control signal generator circuit, the shutter control signal generator circuit being configured: to control shutters of a first subarray of the pixel array with a first set of control signals, and to control shutters of a second subarray of the pixel array with the first set of control signals.