Signal Processing Device Channel Conversion for Multi-Lane Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional four-line sensor imaging devices face restrictions in mounting ICs due to the need for dedicated transmission lines for image data, and increasing the number of data lanes is costly and limits flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing device with a data writing unit, speed converting unit, channel number converting unit, and serial data transferring units is used to efficiently transfer data by converting data from m channels to n channels, where m > n, without increasing the number of lanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of data lanes is increased to handle image data from a four-line sensor, then the capability to transfer multi-color image data is improved, but the cost increases and restrictions on mounting ICs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the data transfer from parallel multi-channel transmission to serial single-channel transmission by encoding multiple color channel data (R, G, B, NIR) into a sequential bit stream. The sensor IC outputs data as a continuous serial stream that is latched and processed in groups corresponding to different color channels, effectively converting a multi-dimensional parallel problem into a one-dimensional serial problem that can be handled with fewer physical lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial data output interface is designed to universally handle data from all four color channels (R, G, B, NIR) through a single transmission lane. The sensor IC uses a unified serial output structure with a latch that can capture and hold data for any combination of color channels, allowing the same physical interface to adaptively transfer different amounts of data depending on the sensor configuration and processing requirements.
2Reliability
If dedicated transmission lines are provided for each color channel, then the reliability of data transfer is improved, but the mounting restrictions on ICs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the spatial arrangement of multiple dedicated transmission lines into a temporal sequence within a single transmission line. Instead of having parallel physical paths for each color channel, the system uses time-division multiplexing where data from different channels is transmitted sequentially in a controlled bit stream, maintaining data integrity through synchronized latching and clocking mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the number of LVDS data lanes is increased to five systems to handle RGB 10-bit data, then the data transfer capability is improved, but the mounting restrictions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high-capacity data transfer (equivalent to or exceeding what would require multiple LVDS lanes) by using a high-speed serial interface that transmits data as a continuous bit stream. The sensor IC can output data at speeds sufficient to handle 10-bit RGB and additional color channel information through a single or minimal number of serial lanes, leveraging temporal bandwidth rather than spatial multiplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A signal processing device includes a data writing unit, a channel number converting unit, and a plurality of serial data transferring unit. The data writing unit is configured to write data of m channels into a memory. The channel number converting unit is configured to output the data read from the memory as data of n channels, where m is larger than n. The plurality of serial data transferring unit is configured to transfer the data of the n channels to a processing device in a subsequent stage.