Stacked Image Pickup Device Resolving Data Transfer Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-definition image pickup devices with a large number of pixels face challenges in transferring image signals efficiently, leading to increased power consumption, heat generation, and reduced data transfer precision due to bottlenecks in signal reading speeds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image pickup device with a stacked configuration of imaging and circuit layers, featuring a first chip with a pixel array and a second chip with drive circuits, memory, and computing units, which allows for all-pixel readout mode operation, enabling seamless capture of both moving and still images by resizing image data and utilizing a changeover switch and frame memory for efficient data processing and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased to achieve high-definition imaging, then image quality is improved, but data transfer time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions (first region and second region) with different resolutions. The first region has higher resolution for detailed imaging, while the second region has lower resolution for broader coverage. This segmentation allows the system to capture high-definition images without requiring all pixels to operate at maximum resolution simultaneously, thereby reducing data transfer time and power consumption while maintaining overall image quality.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased to achieve high-definition imaging, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different quality levels. The first region operates at high resolution with full power consumption, while the second region operates at lower resolution with reduced power consumption. This local quality differentiation allows the system to maintain high image quality in critical areas while reducing overall power consumption across the entire pixel array.
3Productivity
If high speed transfer is implemented to reduce data transfer time, then productivity is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transferring data from all pixels at maximum speed, the system selectively transfers data from the first region (high-resolution region) at high speed while transferring data from the second region (low-resolution region) at lower speeds. This partial high-speed action maintains productivity for critical high-definition data while reducing overall power consumption and heat generation.
4Productivity
If high speed transfer is implemented to reduce data transfer time, then productivity is improved, but data transfer precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer process is segmented into different priority levels. Data from the first region (high-resolution region) is transferred with higher precision and priority, while data from the second region (low-resolution region) is transferred with lower precision requirements. This segmentation ensures that critical high-definition data maintains transfer precision while overall productivity is improved through parallel processing of multiple data streams.
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
This solution enables high-quality, seamless moving images and still images to be captured simultaneously, reducing data transfer bottlenecks and power consumption while maintaining high precision, even with a large number of pixels, and minimizing rolling shutter distortions.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit configured to receive and photoelectrically convert incident light
Data Source
AI summary
In an image pickup device internally including a memory unit and a computing processing unit, image signals of a moving image are resized and are generated from image signals of still images, and the image signals of the still images are stored in the memory unit, and, after the image signals of the moving image are all transferred externally from the image pickup device, the image signals of the still images are transferred.