Pixel Circuit Temporal Pulse Output Without Digital Frame Buffers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors require digital frame buffers to store pixel data, necessitating a solution for performing operations on pixel data at the analog phase without initial digital conversion.
Innovation Solution
A pixel circuit that utilizes a photodiode and temporal circuits with storage capacitors and transistors to generate and convert light energy into pulse width signals, enabling pixel-wise analog operations without initial digital conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical sensor outputs voltage values for digital conversion, then digital image processing can be performed, but digital frame buffers are required to store pixel data increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frame buffer function from the digital backend and implements it within the pixel circuit itself using a storage capacitor. This eliminates the need for separate digital frame buffers by performing analog operations directly at the pixel level, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining digital image processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs analog operations on pixel data before digital conversion by using temporal circuits to store and process light energy in the analog domain. This preliminary analog processing eliminates the need for subsequent digital frame buffering, as the operations are completed before the data requires digital storage.
2Reliability
If two frame buffers are used to store pixel data, then complete image frames can be stored, but the quantity of required components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame buffer functionality into the pixel circuit by integrating a storage capacitor that can hold the analog signal. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate frame buffers, reducing the quantity of components while maintaining the capability to store complete image frames through analog temporal storage.
3Productivity
If pixel operations are performed in digital backend, then digital processing can be executed, but analog signal conversion is required first adding processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the necessary pixel operations in the analog domain before digital conversion by using temporal circuits to store and manipulate light energy signals. This preliminary analog processing eliminates the need for additional analog-to-digital conversion steps, as the operations are completed on the analog signals directly at the pixel level, thereby maintaining processing efficiency while reducing conversion requirements.
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 efficient analog operation of pixel data within the pixel circuit, reducing the need for digital frame buffers and allowing for real-time processing of light energy variations.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode and a temporal circuit. The photodiode is configured to generate light energy
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a pixel circuit for performing analog operation including a photodiode, a first temporal circuit, a second temporal circuit and an operation circuit. Within a first interval, the photodiode detects first light energy to be stored in the first temporal circuit. Within a second interval, the photodiode detects second light energy to be stored in the second temporal circuit. Within an operation interval, the first temporal circuit outputs a first detection signal having a first pulse width according to the first light energy and outputs a second detection signal having a second pulse width according to the second light energy for being calculated by the operation circuit.