IMAGING DEVICES WITH OPTICAL SHUTTERS AND LOW-POWER DRIVERS THEREFOR

摘要

An imaging device includes at least a first group of pixels. A driver block is configured to generate at least two shutter signals, each having on-phases periodically alternating with off-phases. The shutter signals might not be in phase. The imaging device may have an optical shutter that is partitioned in two or more parts, or a set of two or more optical shutters. The shutter parts, or the shutters, may receive the shutter signals, and accordingly open and close. A design of the driver block requires reduced power, which is highly desirable for mobile applications. Moreover, 3D imaging may be implemented that uses various time-of-flight configurations.

主权项

1. An imaging device comprising:
a casing with an opening; a driver block configured to generate a first shutter signal having on-phases periodically alternating with off-phases, and a second shutter signal having on-phases periodically alternating with off-phases, the on-phases of the first shutter signal not in phase with the on-phases of the second shutter signal; an optical shutter within the casing, the optical shutter having a first shutter part and a second shutter part distinct from the first shutter part, the first shutter part being driven by the first shutter signal to alternatingly open and close responsive to the on-phases and to the off-phases respectively of the first shutter signal, the second shutter part being driven by the second shutter signal to alternatingly open and close responsive to the on-phases and to the off-phases respectively of the second shutter signal; and a first group of pixels positioned within the casing so as to start receiving light through the opening responsive to the first shutter part opening.