Time-of-Flight Processing Circuit With Shared Column Counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-of-flight image sensors require complex processing circuits for distance determination, leading to increased power consumption and area usage, and are not compatible with existing designs without significant redesign.
Innovation Solution
A time-of-flight imaging device with a pixel array and signal processing circuit that includes a time-of-flight processing circuit performing logical operations on first and second tap signals, outputting a digital signal, and utilizing a single counter per pixel column to reduce power consumption and area, while supporting multiple operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex processing circuits are used for ITOF distance determination, then distance measurement capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary complex processing circuits from the ITOF system. By using a simplified processing circuit that performs only essential logical operations on tap signals, the design eliminates redundant functionality while maintaining distance measurement capability, thereby reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified processing circuit design that uses basic logical operations rather than complex computational units. This approach uses simpler, lower-power components that can perform the necessary distance determination functions without requiring expensive or power-intensive circuitry.
2Measurement precision
If complex processing circuits are used for ITOF distance determination, then distance measurement capability is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary processing circuitry from the ITOF system, retaining only the essential logical operation circuits needed for distance determination. This extraction of redundant components directly reduces the device area while preserving the core distance measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple processing functions into a single integrated processing circuit that handles logical operations on tap signals. By merging functions that were previously distributed across separate complex circuits, the design reduces overall device area while maintaining distance measurement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing image sensor designs are used for ITOF, then design compatibility is maintained, but additional processing circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a processing circuit with multi-functionality that can operate in ITOF mode while being compatible with existing image sensor architectures. The circuit performs logical operations that are universally applicable to different operating modes, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated circuits for ITOF functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A time-of-flight imaging device comprises an image sensor comprising a pixel array including a plurality of pixel circuits, respective ones of the plurality of pixel circuits including a first tap output configured to output a first tap signal, and a second tap output configured to output a second tap signal; and a signal processing circuit including a time-of-flight processing circuit configured to perform at least one logical operation on the first tap signal and the second tap signal based on a mode of the signal processing circuit, and a counter configured to output a digital signal based on an output of the time-of-flight processing circuit.