Sensor Pixel Array Row Control for Concurrent Event and Gradation Reading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices cannot simultaneously read event signals and gradation signals due to timing constraints imposed by the arbiter method, limiting the ability to capture both types of signals concurrently for pixels that have detected events.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a pixel array unit and a row control unit that allows for the sequential selection of pixels for event and gradation signal reading at different timings, enabling simultaneous reading of both signals within a frame period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the arbiter method is used to read event signals and gradation signals, then one of the signals can be selected and output, but both signals cannot be read at the same time for pixels that have detected events
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixel units that generate only event signals and second pixel units that generate only gradation signals. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each pixel type and enables simultaneous reading of both signal types through separate readout paths, resolving the contradiction where the arbiter method could only select one signal type at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer pixel unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the light-receiving pixels and the readout circuitry. This transfer pixel unit can hold and transfer charges representing either event signals or gradation signals to different readout circuits, enabling simultaneous reading of both signal types without interference, thus resolving the mutual exclusion problem of the arbiter method.
2Measurement precision
If reading timings are synchronized with event detection for each pixel, then event signals can be read accurately, but gradation signal reading cannot occur at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The readout system is segmented into multiple independent readout circuits: a first readout circuit dedicated to event signals and a second readout circuit dedicated to gradation signals. This segmentation allows both circuits to operate simultaneously at their own optimized timings, maintaining high measurement precision for event detection while increasing overall productivity by reading both signal types in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional sequential reading approach to a multi-dimensional parallel reading architecture. By introducing separate spatial paths (different readout circuits) for different signal types, the system can read event signals and gradation signals simultaneously without timing conflicts, thus improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated readout paths.
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 simultaneous reading of event and gradation signals for each pixel unit, improving the capture of dynamic vision data by allowing both signals to be read in units of frames, reducing noise interference, and optimizing signal processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array unit in which a plurality of pixel units each having one or a plurality of pixels and capable of generating a gradation signal indicating intensity of a light reception amount and an event signal indicating a change in the light reception amount
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device according to the present technology includes: a pixel array unit in which a plurality of pixel units each having one or a plurality of pixels and capable of generating a gradation signal indicating intensity of a light reception amount and an event signal indicating a change in the light reception amount is two-dimensionally arranged; and a row control unit that can sequentially execute in rows selection of a pixel from which the event signal is to be read and selection of a pixel from which the gradation signal is to be read at different timings.