Random Pixel Signal Reading Reduces Power in Imaging Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices face challenges in reducing power consumption and simplifying circuit configurations, particularly due to the complexity introduced by multiplexers and the need for continuous operation of all analog-digital converters, which increases power consumption and complicates the circuit layout.

Innovation Solution

The imaging device and pixel signal reading method involve randomly selecting and operating only a subset of imaging elements and analog-digital converters, eliminating the need for multiplexers and allowing for partial operation of analog-digital converters, thereby reducing power consumption and simplifying the circuit configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If all analog-digital converters are operated to read pixel signals from all imaging elements, then complete image data is obtained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage data completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by operating only a subset of analog-digital converters rather than all converters. The pixel signal reading device randomly selects which imaging elements will have their signals converted, thereby reducing the number of active converters and lowering power consumption while still obtaining sufficient image data for the intended application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Ease of operation

If multiplexers are used to route pixel signals to analog-digital converters, then signal routing is achieved, but circuit configuration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal routingVSAvoidcircuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the multiplexer component from the circuit configuration. Instead of using multiplexers to route signals, the system directly connects selected imaging elements to analog-digital converters through a simplified routing mechanism implemented in the pixel signal reading device, thereby removing the complexity associated with multiplexer-based signal routing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of information

If all pixel signals are output and processed, then complete image information is preserved, but data volume increases power consumption during communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage information preservationVSAvoidcommunication power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by outputting only a subset of pixel signals rather than all signals from every imaging element. The pixel signal reading device randomly selects which pixel signals to output, thereby reducing the total data volume that needs to be communicated while preserving sufficient image information for the application's needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10506182B2Imaging device and pixel signal reading method

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

An imaging device includes imaging elements 12 arranged in two-dimensional matrix in a first direction and a second direction, an analog-digital (AD) converter 13, and a pixel signal reading device 16. The pixel signal reading device 16 selects spatially at random the imaging element 12 that outputs a pixel signal to the AD converter 13, and randomly outputs the pixel signal of the imaging element 12 from the AD converter 13.