Single-Chip Imaging Output Control for Compact Vision Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices with chip connections using bumps result in increased thickness and size, and they often require outputting both images and metadata, which can be inefficient in terms of size and data processing.
Innovation Solution
A single-chip imaging device with a signal processing unit and output interface that selectively outputs image data and processing results, allowing for compact size and efficient data management by performing signal processing internally and controlling output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If chips are connected using bumps to construct an imaging device, then signal processing capability is improved, but device thickness and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor chip and signal processing unit into a single integrated device. The sensor chip includes both the imaging sensor array and the signal processing unit on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate chips connected by bumps. This integration maintains signal processing capability while reducing device thickness by consolidating multiple functional components into one chip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional stacked multi-chip architecture to a planar two-dimensional integration approach. By arranging the signal processing unit and sensor array on the same chip plane rather than stacking chips vertically with bump connections, the device achieves enhanced signal processing capability without increasing thickness in the vertical dimension.
2Loss of information
If all captured images are output to external devices, then complete image data is provided, but data transmission volume and processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the essential information from captured images using an information extraction unit. Instead of outputting all raw pixel data, the system identifies and extracts key features, objects, or metadata from the images, thereby maintaining information quality while dramatically reducing the volume of data that needs to be transmitted to external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary signal processing and information extraction within the imaging device before data output. By conducting edge detection, feature extraction, or object recognition internally using the signal processing unit, the system prepares data in advance, reducing the burden on external devices and minimizing the amount of data that requires further processing outside the device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an imaging device and an electronic device that enable construction of an imaging device that outputs information required by a user with a small size. A single-chip imaging device includes: an imaging unit in which a plurality of pixels is arranged two-dimensionally and that captures an image; a signal processing unit that performs signal processing using a captured image output from the imaging unit; an output I/F that outputs a signal processing result of the signal processing and the captured image to an outside; and an output control unit that performs output control of selectively outputting the signal processing result of the signal processing and the captured image from the output I/F to the outside. The present technology can be applied to, for example, an imaging device that captures an image.