Television – Camera – system and detail – Solid-state image sensor
Reexamination Certificate
1997-07-09
2001-09-04
Garber, Wendy R. (Department: 2612)
Television
Camera, system and detail
Solid-state image sensor
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285399
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to electronic imaging devices and more particularly to a system and method for generating timing signals in an electronic imaging device.
2. Description of the Background Art
The efficient operation and use of electronic imaging devices provide computer users with new and effective ways to capture and process various types of image data. Electronic imaging devices typically include special electronic image sensors which convert a selected image into electronic data. These electronic image sensors conventionally include a series of discrete picture elements (or pixels) which convert light reflected from a photographic target into electrical energy that is then shifted out of the image sensor device. Due to the complexity of the high-speed process involved in shifting captured image data out of the image sensor, electronic imaging devices require a series of precise timing pulses to successfully gate the image data from the image sensor. Electronic imaging devices (such as digital cameras) typically include a timing generator device which effectively generates and provides the precise timing pulses to the electronic image sensor.
Referring now to
FIG. 1
, a block diagram of a conventional fixed timing generator device
60
is shown. The
FIG. 1
timing generator
60
includes fixed timing module
1
(
62
) through fixed timing module “N” (
68
) which each generate a discrete and unchangeable output signal. For example, timing module
1
(
62
) includes a state machine
74
which receives a high-speed clock signal on line
70
and responsively provides an output to a first input of AND gate
76
. A gate signal on line
72
is applied to a second input of AND gate
76
to produce a fixed output signal on line
78
. The
FIG. 1
timing generator
60
thus produces a series of fixed timing signals which are specifically designed to operate with a particular corresponding image sensor device. Because of their dedicated functionality, conventional fixed timing generators
60
therefore exhibit a significant lack of flexibility.
Other conventional timing generators use various other techniques to generate programmable timing signals. For example, one prior art timing generator is limited to OR-tying several pulse generation modules together. This approach limits the number of transitions on any one output and thus prevents dynamically changing the number of transitions during pulse signal generation. Another prior art timing generator system requires a central processing unit to generate a specific interrupt signal so that the system software can responsively manipulate a specific timing pulse. This approach is excessively software intensive, since the software must repeatedly access and process the timing signals on a continuing basis.
Electronic image sensor devices are currently evolving to become increasingly more complex and are thus requiring timing generators with more advanced capabilities and greater flexibility. Therefore, an improved system and method are needed for generating timing signals in an electronic imaging device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are disclosed for generating timing signals in an electronic imaging device. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera device includes an electronic image sensor which requires a complex set of timing signals to effectively capture image data. The digital camera therefore also includes a timing application-specific integrated circuit (timing ASIC) which generates a set of precise timing signals necessary to control and synchronize the electronic image sensor within the digital camera.
In the preferred embodiment, the timing ASIC includes a horizontal timing generator and a vertical timing generator which interact to provide timing signals to the image sensor, in accordance with the present invention. In operation, the digital camera loads a timing ASIC configuration module to configure individual random-access memories (RAM) in both the horizontal timing generator and in the vertical timing generator. This programmable capability of the timing ASIC advantageously allows the digital camera to be implemented using a variety of different image sensors.
Next, a pixel clock generator in the timing ASIC generates and provides a high-speed pixel clock signal to the horizontal address generator within the timing ASIC. In response, the horizontal timing generator generates horizontal timing signals based on the contents of the programmable RAM. The horizontal timing signals preferably include a horizontal drive signal which is then provided to drive the vertical address generator.
In response, the vertical timing generator generates vertical timing signals, including a series of selector control signals which are then provided to respective selectors in the horizontal timing generator. The selectors in the horizontal timing generator advantageously select from several different outputs of the programmable RAM (in the horizontal timing generator). Finally, the horizontal timing generator sends the selected timing signals to the electronic image sensor to effectively control and synchronize the capture of image data. In alternate embodiments, the timing signals may also control and synchronize various other components in the digital camera device. The electronic imaging device is thus able to more efficiently and effectively capture image data, in accordance with the present invention.
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FlashPoint Technology Inc.
Garber Wendy R.
Moe Aung S.
Sawyer Law Group LLP
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