Pixel Circuit Pulse-Width Output for Buffer-Free Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical sensors require digital conversion of pixel data for processing, necessitating frame buffers to store entire image frames, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A pixel circuit that performs analog operations using pulse width signals, allowing for intra-pixel and inter-pixel operations without initial digital conversion, utilizing a photodiode, temporal circuits, and comparators to generate and process detection signals as pulse widths related to light energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If digital conversion is performed for pixel data processing, then processing capability is improved, but memory requirements and system complexity increase due to need for frame buffers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidmemory requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces digital conversion and storage mechanisms with analog temporal circuitry. Temporal circuits process pixel data in analog form using time-based signals, eliminating the need for digital frame buffers while maintaining processing capability through voltage and time relationships

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter domain from digital values to temporal/voltage parameters. By encoding pixel information in time durations and voltage levels within temporal circuits, the system achieves efficient processing without requiring large digital memory structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If frame buffers are used to store digital image frames, then data storage is improved, but processing efficiency and speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storageVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes digital storage and retrieval operations with analog temporal processing. Temporal circuits maintain and manipulate pixel data through voltage holding and time-based operations, enabling continuous processing without the read/write bottlenecks of digital frame buffers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous processing by eliminating the discrete store-then-process workflow. Analog temporal circuits allow simultaneous storage and processing operations to occur continuously, improving throughput by removing sequential dependencies inherent in digital frame buffer systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables efficient analog operation of pixel data within the pixel circuit, reducing the need for digital conversion and frame buffers, and facilitating operations like motion detection and image recognition with improved processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a photodiode, configured to generate light energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11812176B2Pixel circuit selecting to output time difference data or image data

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

There is provided a pixel circuit capable of outputting time difference data or image data, and including a first temporal circuit and a second temporal circuit. The first temporal circuit is used to store detected light energy of a first interval and a second interval as the time difference data. The second temporal circuit is used to store detected light energy of the second interval as the image data. The pixel circuit is used to output a pulse width signal corresponding to the time difference data or the image data in different operating modes.