Processor-controlled timing generator for multiple image sensors
US7557849B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/7795
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A versatile analog front end and timing generator (AFE/TG) integrated circuit is capable of supplying horizontal and vertical timing signals to a large number of disparate image sensors. In a first novel aspect, the AFE/TG includes an output mode wherein multiple identical AFE/TGs output digitized sensor data to a single digital image processor (DIP) without intervening multiplexing circuitry. In a second novel aspect, the AFE/TG includes a processor that executes a program. Execution of the program controls the detailed timing of horizontal and vertical timing signals output from the AFE/TG. At boot time, the program is loaded into the AFE/TG via a serial bus. In a third novel aspect, the processor is clocked by a clock signal with a relatively long clock period. A DLL and associated set/reset circuitry allows the processor to generate and control timing signals with a resolution substantially greater than clock period of the processor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.