KR20160120058A - Image sensor and camera apparatus - Google Patents

Image sensor and camera apparatus

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Publication number
KR20160120058A
KR20160120058A KR1020150049081A KR20150049081A KR20160120058A KR 20160120058 A KR20160120058 A KR 20160120058A KR 1020150049081 A KR1020150049081 A KR 1020150049081A KR 20150049081 A KR20150049081 A KR 20150049081A KR 20160120058 A KR20160120058 A KR 20160120058A
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KR
South Korea
Prior art keywords
image sensor
image
processing module
volatile memory
central processing
Prior art date
Application number
KR1020150049081A
Other languages
Korean (ko)
Inventor
켄지 코야나기
Original Assignee
한화테크윈 주식회사
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 한화테크윈 주식회사 filed Critical 한화테크윈 주식회사
Priority to KR1020150049081A priority Critical patent/KR20160120058A/en
Publication of KR20160120058A publication Critical patent/KR20160120058A/en

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    • H04N5/335—
    • H04N5/225—
    • H04N5/2251—

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Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention is a non-volatile memory in which parameters received from a central processing module of a camera are stored; And an imaging device for acquiring image data based on the parameters stored in the non-volatile memory, wherein the non-volatile memory is rewritable, and when power is not applied from the power source of the camera and then re- , The imaging element acquires the image data based on a parameter that was last stored in the non-volatile memory before the power source is disabled.

Description

[0001] IMAGE SENSOR AND CAMERA APPARATUS [0002]

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image sensor and a camera device, and more particularly, to an image sensor and a camera device for shortening the startup time.

In the case of a camera having a limited battery capacity, normally, the image sensor is operated in a power saving mode in which the power source is disabled, and when an image pickup start signal is generated and power is applied to the image sensor, the image sensor is initialized and the image pickup is started.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2000-0003469

Embodiments of the present invention provide an image sensor and a camera device for skipping an initialization step of an image sensor to further shorten the startup time.

One embodiment of the present invention is a non-volatile memory in which parameters received from a central processing module of a camera are stored; And an imaging device for acquiring image data based on the parameters stored in the non-volatile memory, wherein the non-volatile memory is rewritable, and when power is not applied from the power source of the camera, , The imaging element acquires the image data based on a parameter that was last stored in the non-volatile memory before the power source is disabled.

The image sensor may further include an image signal processing (ISP) module.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an image sensor, comprising an imaging element for acquiring image data based on parameters received from a central processing module of a camera, the parameter comprising: a non-volatile Wherein the non-volatile memory is rewritable, and when the power from the power source of the camera is disabled and then re-applied, the imaging device is set to a parameter that was last stored in the non-volatile memory before the power source is disabled And acquires the image data on the basis of the acquired image data.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus including a trigger module for generating an imaging start trigger signal; A central processing module for generating an image control parameter when the imaging start trigger signal is received; An image sensor for acquiring image data based on the parameter; And a power supply for applying power to the trigger module, the central processing module and the image sensor, wherein the image sensor comprises a non-volatile memory in which the parameters are stored, the non-volatile memory being rewritable Wherein the image sensor acquires the image data based on a parameter that was last stored in the nonvolatile memory before the power is turned off when the power from the power source unit is turned off and then applied again. .

Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

With the image sensor and the camera apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention, the initialization step of the image sensor can be skipped and the startup time can be further shortened.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a camera apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a comparison of start times of a conventional camera apparatus and a camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is capable of various modifications and various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following embodiments, the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by terms. Terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

The terms used in the following examples are used only to illustrate specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the following description, the terms "comprises" or "having ", and the like, specify that the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, But do not preclude the presence or addition of other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented in a wide variety of hardware and / or software configurations that perform particular functions. For example, embodiments of the invention may be embodied directly in hardware, such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., that can perform various functions by control of one or more microprocessors or by other control devices Circuit configurations can be employed. Similar to the components of an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented with software programming or software components, embodiments of the present invention include various algorithms implemented with a combination of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming constructs , C, C ++, Java, assembler, and the like. Functional aspects may be implemented with algorithms running on one or more processors. Embodiments of the present invention may also employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as mechanisms, elements, means, and configurations are widely used and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations. The term may include the meaning of a series of routines of software in conjunction with a processor or the like.

In the present specification and drawings, the same reference numerals are used for constituent elements having substantially the same configuration, and redundant description is omitted.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a camera apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an image sensor 110, a central processing module 150, a power source 160, and a trigger module 170.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the camera device 100 may further include a lens (not shown).

When the light reflected by the subject passes through a lens (not shown), the image sensor 110 collects the light into an electric signal, and acquires the electric signal as image data. The image sensor 110 acquires image data based on parameters for setting an interface with the central processing module 150, a resolution area, and the like. The image sensor 110 may need to initialize such parameters if the power source is disabled and then re-applied.

The image sensor 110 may be a large scale integrated circuit (LSI circuit), and may include an image signal processing module 120 and a nonvolatile memory 130. The image sensor 110 may generate an image signal in the form of an RGB Bayer pattern and may acquire image data as a result of processing the image signal in the image signal processing module 120. The image sensor 110 may store parameters for setting the interface with the central processing module 150, resolution area, and the like in the nonvolatile memory 130.

The image sensor 110 may include an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor).

The image signal processing module 120 can correct image noise generated from the image signal generated by the image sensor 110, defective pixels, lens bending, and the like, and generate image data by performing interpolation, amplification, format conversion, have.

The image signal processing module 120 may include a codec.

The parameters received from the central processing module 150 of the camera apparatus 100 may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 130. The non-volatile memory 130 may be a rewritable memory so that the parameters can be updated according to the parameter update signal received from the central processing module 150. [

For example, non-volatile memory 130 may be a flash memory.

That is, when the image sensor 110 is being supplied with power, the parameter value is newly stored or stored in the nonvolatile memory 130, and if the parameter value is updated and the power source is turned off, the parameter value immediately before the non- have.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the image signal processing module 120 is not included in the image sensor 110, but may be provided outside the image sensor 110 while being included in the camera device 100.

1, the non-volatile memory 130 is not included in the image sensor 110, but may be included in the camera device 100 and may be provided outside the image sensor 110. FIG.

When the imaging start trigger signal is received from the trigger module 170, the central processing module 150 generates an image control parameter, transmits it to the image sensor 110 to control the image sensor 110, 110).

For example, the central processing module 150 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a communication unit, and a storage unit, generates parameters in the central processing unit, transmits the parameters to the image sensor 110 via the communication unit, Receive image data from the image sensor 110 via the communication unit, and store the image data through the storage unit.

The central processing module 150 may transmit power to the image sensor 110 by transmitting an image sensor driving signal to the power source unit when the image sensing start trigger signal is received but the image sensor 110 is not powered.

The central processing module 150 may perform an initialization step of generating an image sensor 110 or an image signal processing module 120 setting register using serial communication when power is applied to the image sensor 110. [

The power supply unit 160 applies power to the image sensor 110, the central processing module 150, and the trigger module 170.

The power supply unit 160 can receive power from a portable battery having a limited battery capacity. When the battery capacity is limited, the trigger module 170 generates an imaging start trigger signal so that the central processing module 150 generates an idle state in which imaging is not being performed to drive the image sensor 110 in accordance with the trigger signal The power can be applied. For example, the central processing module 150 can receive a trigger signal as an interrupt signal and maintain a standby state in which execution is possible. In the case of the image sensor 110, in an idle state, the power source may be unavailable for preventing excessive power consumption.

The trigger module 170 generates an imaging start trigger signal when a specific condition is satisfied, and transmits the trigger signal to the central processing module 150.

For example, the trigger module 170 may generate an imaging start trigger signal when a person is detected using a human detection sensor.

In this way, even if power is not supplied to the image sensor 110, the camera device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can maintain the parameter values immediately before the power source is not in the nonvolatile memory 130, 110, the initialization of the parameters is skipped and the imaging is immediately started using the parameters stored in the nonvolatile memory 130, thereby shortening the period from the generation of the trigger signal to the start of imaging .

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a camera apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, in a method of driving a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a trigger module generates an imaging start trigger signal (S310), a central processing module applies power to an image sensor (S320) The sensor skips the image sensor initializing operation and starts imaging based on the last parameter stored in the nonvolatile memory before the power is turned off (S330).

First, if the trigger module satisfies a specific condition, it generates an imaging start trigger signal and transmits it to the central processing module (S310). For example, in step S310, when a trigger module detects a person using a human detection sensor, the trigger module may generate an imaging start trigger signal by determining that the condition is satisfied. That is, step S310 can be regarded as a step of generating a signal for starting imaging when a specific condition is satisfied (e.g., a person is detected).

Next, the central processing module receives the imaging start trigger signal and transmits an image sensor driving signal to the power source unit so that power can be applied to the image sensor (S320).

Next, when the image sensor is driven, it is necessary to receive and initialize the parameter values necessary for image pickup of the image sensor from the central processing module. However, when power is applied to the image sensor, the parameter values stored in the non- The image sensor skips the above initialization step and starts imaging immediately using the parameter values stored in the nonvolatile memory (S330).

As described above, in the method of driving the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the image sensor is driven, the step of receiving and initializing parameter values necessary for image pickup of the image sensor from the central processing module is skipped, The time to start can be shortened.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a comparison of start times of a conventional camera apparatus and a camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the startup time 40 of the conventional camera device and the startup time 400 of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention are compared.

First, in the case of a conventional camera apparatus, the trigger module generates an image pickup start signal and transmits it to the central processing module 41. The central processing module controls the power unit to apply power to the image sensor, Control parameters can be created to initialize the image sensor (42). In this case, about 10 ms is delayed in generating an image pickup start signal and transmitted to the central processing module, about 400 ms is delayed in initializing the image sensor, and a delay of about 410 ms occurs from the generation of the image pickup start signal until the actual image pickup is started .

In the case of the camera apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the trigger module generates an imaging start signal and transmits it to the central processing module (41). When the central processing module controls the power unit to apply power to the image sensor ON), the image sensor does not need to receive the image control parameter from the central processing module, but starts imaging immediately using the parameters previously stored in the nonvolatile memory. In this case, since the imaging start signal is generated and transmitted to the central processing module only about 10 ms is delayed, the startup time can be shortened compared with the conventional camera device.

The embodiments of the present invention described above can be embodied in the form of a computer program that can be executed on various components on a computer, and the computer program can be recorded on a computer-readable medium. At this time, the medium may be a magnetic medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk and a magnetic tape, an optical recording medium such as CD-ROM and DVD, a magneto-optical medium such as a floptical disk, , A RAM, a flash memory, and the like, which are specifically configured to store and execute program instructions. Further, the medium may include an intangible medium that is implemented in a form that can be transmitted over a network, and may be, for example, a medium in the form of software or an application that can be transmitted and distributed through a network.

Meanwhile, the computer program may be designed and configured specifically for the present invention or may be known and used by those skilled in the computer software field. Examples of computer programs may include machine language code such as those produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that may be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

The specific acts described in the present invention are, by way of example, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. For brevity of description, descriptions of conventional electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of such systems may be omitted. Also, the connections or connecting members of the lines between the components shown in the figures are illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, which may be replaced or additionally provided by a variety of functional connections, physical Connection, or circuit connections. Also, unless stated otherwise such as " essential ", " importantly ", etc., it may not be a necessary component for application of the present invention.

Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and all ranges that are equivalent to or equivalent to the claims of the present invention as well as the claims .

100: camera device 110: image sensor
120: image signal processing module 130: nonvolatile memory
150: central processing module 160:
170: Trigger module

Claims (6)

A nonvolatile memory for storing parameters received from the central processing module of the camera; And
An imaging device for acquiring image data based on parameters stored in the non-volatile memory,
The non-volatile memory is rewritable,
Characterized in that when the power source from the camera's power source is turned off and then back on, the imaging device acquires the image data based on parameters that were last stored in the non-volatile memory before the power source is turned off. sensor. The method according to claim 1,
The image sensor
And an image signal processing (ISP) module. An image sensor, comprising: an imaging element for acquiring image data based on parameters received from a central processing module of the camera,
Wherein the parameter is stored in a nonvolatile memory provided outside the image sensor,
The non-volatile memory is rewritable,
Characterized in that when the power source from the camera's power source is turned off and then back on, the imaging device acquires the image data based on parameters that were last stored in the non-volatile memory before the power source is turned off. sensor. The method of claim 3,
The image sensor
And an image signal processing (ISP) module. A trigger module for generating an imaging start trigger signal;
A central processing module for generating an image control parameter when the imaging start trigger signal is received;
An image sensor for acquiring image data based on the parameter; And
And a power unit for applying power to the trigger module, the central processing module and the image sensor,
Wherein the image sensor comprises a non-volatile memory in which the parameters are stored,
The non-volatile memory is rewritable,
The image sensor
And acquires the image data based on a parameter that was last stored in the nonvolatile memory before the power supply becomes unavailable if the power supply from the power supply unit becomes unavailable and then reapplied. The method of claim 3,
The image sensor
Further comprising an image signal processing module.
KR1020150049081A 2015-04-07 2015-04-07 Image sensor and camera apparatus KR20160120058A (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114584731A (en) * 2022-03-02 2022-06-03 杭州图谱光电科技有限公司 Real-time image retransmission method and system for USB3.0 interface micro-camera

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20000003469A (en) 1998-06-29 2000-01-15 김영환 Cmos image sensor integrated with memory device

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20000003469A (en) 1998-06-29 2000-01-15 김영환 Cmos image sensor integrated with memory device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114584731A (en) * 2022-03-02 2022-06-03 杭州图谱光电科技有限公司 Real-time image retransmission method and system for USB3.0 interface micro-camera

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