Frame Asynchronous Pulse Detection in Imaging Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse detection systems in image sensors face delays and increased processing power due to analyzing an entire frame of pixels for pulse detection, limiting detection speed and accuracy, especially for short-duration pulses.
Innovation Solution
A frame asynchronous pulse detection method within a digital imaging circuit that allows each pixel to independently detect pulses and output specific pixel addresses and timestamps directly to a controller, enabling asynchronous analysis and reducing the need for full frame readout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller analyzes each pixel in a pixel array for pulse data after the full pixel array has provided imaging data, then the pulse detection can be performed systematically, but the pulse detection speed is limited to the frame rate of the pixel array and processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pulse detection function into two independent segments: (1) a dedicated pulse detection circuit within each pixel that operates continuously and independently, and (2) a controller that processes only the pulse data transmitted by detecting pixels. This segmentation allows the detection function to operate at pixel level without being constrained by frame rate, while the controller handles minimal data, thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse detection circuit performs preliminary pulse detection and filtering within each pixel before data transmission. By pre-processing the data at the pixel level and only transmitting pulses that meet detection criteria, the system achieves high-speed detection independent of frame rate while reducing the processing burden on the controller, thereby improving both detection speed and maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If the controller analyzes an entire frame of pixels for pulse detection, then comprehensive pulse detection coverage is achieved, but the processing power required increases and detection delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pulse detection function from the main controller and implements it within dedicated circuits in each pixel. This extraction allows the controller to receive only the results (pulse presence and timing data) rather than processing all pixel data, thereby maintaining comprehensive detection coverage while dramatically reducing processing power consumption and detection delay.
3Loss of information
If the pixel array reads out full imaging data before pulse analysis, then complete image data is available, but pulse detection delay increases for short-duration pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse detection circuit operates continuously and independently during the entire imaging process, performing pulse detection in real-time as imaging data is being captured and transmitted. This continuous operation ensures that short-duration pulses are detected immediately without delay, while the controller simultaneously receives both imaging data and pulse data, maintaining data completeness without time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse detecting imaging circuit includes a pixel array including multiple pixels arranged in at least one row and at least one column. The pixel array includes multiple row voltages and column voltages. Each of the row voltages is connected to each pixel in the corresponding row and each of the column voltages is connected to each pixel in the corresponding column. Each of said pixels includes an imaging circuit and a pulse detection circuit. An output of each pulse detection circuit is connected to a corresponding row voltage and a corresponding column voltage such that each pixel is configured to connect the corresponding row voltage and the corresponding column voltage to a ground or a known driven voltage in response to a pulse detection at the pixel.