Image signal transmission method and image signal reception method

Abstract

Disclosed are an image signal transmission method performed by an image signal transmission device and an image output method performed by an image signal reception device. According to an embodiment, the image signal transmission method may comprise the operations of: receiving an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor; generating a target image array signal, in which each of elements represents a luminance component or a chrominance component, by performing color space conversion (CSC) on the initial image array signal; generating a target image array analog signal by converting, into an analog signal, the target image array signal that is a digital signal; generating a vertical synchronization signal for the target image array analog signal; and transmitting, to an image signal reception device, an image signal including the target image array analog signal and the vertical synchronization signal. The target image array analog signal may be transmitted and received using only half of a clock frequency compared to an analog signal obtained by directly converting the initial image array signal into an analog signal.

Description

Image signal transmission method and reception method

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technology for transmitting and receiving image signals, and specifically to a technology for transmitting and receiving analog image signals.

[0002] There are methods for transmitting images that use an open circuit or a closed circuit. Since the open circuit method requires transmitting image signals to an unspecified number of users, a standardized method may be used to transmit images. On the other hand, since the closed circuit method transmits image signals only to specific users, only specific users may know the method of transmitting image signals.

[0003] Generally, composite signals used in closed-circuit systems follow the standard method for analog color television. Because the standard method uses a limited frequency band, problems such as cross-color and luminance interference may occur.

[0004] One embodiment may provide a method and device for transmitting an analog image signal to an image signal receiving device.

[0005] One embodiment may provide a method and device for receiving an analog image signal from an image signal transmission device.

[0006] However, technical challenges are not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges may exist.

[0007] An image signal transmission method performed by an image signal transmission device according to one embodiment may include: receiving an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor; generating a target image array signal in which each element represents a luminance component or a chrominance component by performing a color space conversion (CSC) on the initial image array signal; generating a target image array analog signal by converting the target image array signal, which is a digital signal, into an analog signal; generating a vertical synchronization signal for the target image array analog signal; and transmitting an image signal including the target image array analog signal and the vertical synchronization signal to an image signal receiving device.

[0008] The image sensor is configured with an array pattern including R (red) pixels, G (green) pixels, and B (blue) pixels, and the initial image array signal may include a plurality of R elements picked up by a plurality of R pixels, a plurality of G elements picked up by a plurality of G pixels, and a plurality of B elements picked up by a plurality of B pixels.

[0009] The array pattern includes a plurality of unit array patterns, and the initial image array signal includes a plurality of unit image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit array patterns, and the operation of generating the target image array signal may include an operation of generating the target image array signal by performing a color space conversion for each of the plurality of unit image array signals.

[0010] The above unit array pattern may be a 2×2 array pattern containing four elements.

[0011] The target image array signal includes a plurality of unit target image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit image array signals, and each of the plurality of unit target image array signals may include the same number of elements as each of the plurality of unit image array signals.

[0012] The array pattern of the image sensor may further include infrared pixels.

[0013] The image sensor is configured with an array pattern including R (red) pixels, W (white) pixels, and B (blue) pixels, and the initial image array signal may include a plurality of R elements picked up by a plurality of R pixels, a plurality of W elements picked up by a plurality of W pixels, and a plurality of B elements picked up by a plurality of B pixels.

[0014] The operation of generating the target image array analog signal may include generating the target image array analog signal such that a first luminance element representing a luminance component and a first chrominance element representing a chrominance component among the elements included in the target image array signal correspond to a first line of the target image array analog signal distinguished by a horizontal direction synchronization pulse.

[0015] An image signal transmission device performing an image signal transmission method according to one embodiment includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions, and when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the image signal transmission device may perform at least: receiving an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor; generating a target image array signal in which each element represents a luminance component or a chrominance component by performing a color space conversion (CSC) of the initial image array signal; generating a target image array analog signal by converting the target image array signal, which is a digital signal, into an analog signal; generating a vertical synchronization signal for the target image array analog signal; and transmitting an image signal including the target image array analog signal and the vertical synchronization signal to an image signal receiving device.

[0016] An image output method performed by an image signal receiving device according to one embodiment may include: receiving an image signal from an image signal transmitting device - wherein the image signal includes a target image array analog signal corresponding to a target image array signal in which a color space conversion is performed on an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor - separating the target image array analog signal within the image signal based on a vertical synchronization signal of the image signal; generating a target image array signal by converting the target image array analog signal into a digital signal; generating an initial image array signal by performing an inverse conversion of the color space conversion on the target image array signal; and outputting or storing the initial image array signal.

[0017] The image sensor is configured with an array pattern including R (red) pixels, G (green) pixels, and B (blue) pixels, and the initial image array signal may include a plurality of R elements picked up by a plurality of R pixels, a plurality of G elements picked up by a plurality of G pixels, and a plurality of B elements picked up by a plurality of B pixels.

[0018] The array pattern includes a plurality of unit array patterns, the initial image array signal includes a plurality of unit image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit array patterns, and the target image array signal can be generated as color space conversion is performed for each of the plurality of unit image array signals.

[0019] The above unit array pattern may be a 2×2 array pattern containing four elements.

[0020] The target image array signal includes a plurality of unit target image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit image array signals, and each of the plurality of unit target image array signals may include the same number of elements as each of the plurality of unit image array signals.

[0021] The array pattern of the image sensor may further include infrared pixels.

[0022] The image sensor is configured with an array pattern including R (red) pixels, W (white) pixels, and B (blue) pixels, and the initial image array signal may include a plurality of R elements picked up by a plurality of R pixels, a plurality of W elements picked up by a plurality of W pixels, and a plurality of B elements picked up by a plurality of B pixels.

[0023] The operation of generating the target image array signal may further include the operation of separating the target image array analog signal into a luminance signal and a chrominance signal, the operation of determining a first luminance element corresponding to the luminance signal and determining a first chrominance element corresponding to the chrominance signal by converting the analog signals, the luminance signal and the chrominance signal, into digital signals, and the operation of generating the target image array signal based on the first luminance element and the first chrominance element.

[0024] An image signal receiving device performing an image output method according to one embodiment includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions, and when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the image signal receiving device may perform at least: an operation of receiving an image signal from an image signal transmitting device - the image signal includes a target image array analog signal corresponding to a target image array signal in which a color space conversion is performed on an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor - an operation of separating the target image array analog signal within the image signal based on a vertical synchronization signal of the image signal, an operation of generating a target image array signal by converting the target image array analog signal into a digital signal, an operation of generating an initial image array signal by performing an inverse conversion of the color space conversion on the target image array signal, and an operation of outputting or storing the initial image array signal.

[0025] A method and device for transmitting an analog image signal to an image signal receiving device may be provided.

[0026] A method and device for receiving an analog image signal from an image signal transmission device may be provided.

[0027] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an image signal transmission system according to one example.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an image signal transmission device according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an image signal transmission method according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an initial image array signal generated based on an RGB array pattern according to one example.

[0031] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate target image array signals generated as color space conversion is performed, according to one example.

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates an active line among image signals according to one example.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for generating a target image array analog signal based on a first luminance element and a first chrominance element according to one example.

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a target image array analog signal generated based on a first luminance element and a first chrominance element according to one example.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an image signal receiving device according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an image signal reception method according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for generating a target image array signal by obtaining a first luminance element and a first chrominance element from a target image array analog signal according to one example.

[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates a luminance signal and a chrominance signal obtained from a target image array analog signal according to one example.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and thus the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.

[0040] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0042] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. When describing embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the embodiment, such detailed description is omitted.

[0043] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by these terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.

[0044] Components included in any one embodiment and components having common functions shall be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description in any one embodiment may also apply to other embodiments, and specific descriptions shall be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0045]

[0046] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an image signal transmission system according to one example.

[0047] The image signal transmission system (100) may include an image sensor (110), an image signal transmission device (120), and an image signal receiving device (130). Additionally, the image signal transmission system (100) may further include a display (140) capable of outputting an image. For example, the image signal transmission system (100) may be a closed-circuit system. The image signal transmission system (100) may be installed in a building or in a vehicle, and is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the image signal transmission system (100) may be a system for closed-circuit television. For example, the image signal transmission device (120) may generate an initial image array signal using an image sensor (110). The generated initial image array signal may be, for example, data of a Bayer pattern or data of a pattern modified from a Bayer pattern. The image signal transmission device (120) may transmit the generated image signal based on the initial image array signal to an image signal receiving device (130) via a cable (125). The transmitted image signal may be an analog signal. The image signal receiving device (130) may generate an image by restoring the initial image array signal within the received analog signal and post-processing the initial image array signal. The generated image may be output using a display (140) or stored.

[0049] When the digital image captured by the image sensor (110) is of high quality and the image signal is transmitted using an analog method, a phenomenon may occur in which the image signal degrades in the high frequency band as a high frequency is used for the transmission of the image signal. For example, interference may occur between adjacent elements within the image signal.

[0050] Below, a method for transmitting an image signal is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, and a method for receiving an image signal is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

[0051]

[0052] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an image signal transmission device according to one embodiment.

[0053] The image signal transmission device (200) includes a communication unit (210), a processor (220), and a memory (230). For example, the image signal transmission device (200) may further include an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (110) of FIG. 1). The image sensor may be included in a closed-circuit television (CCTV), or in a camera or a black box, and is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0054] The communication unit (210) is connected to the processor (220), memory (230), and image sensor to transmit and receive data. The communication unit (210) may be connected to other external devices to transmit and receive data. In the following, the expression "transmit and receive A" may indicate transmitting and receiving "information or data representing A".

[0055] The communication unit (210) may be implemented as a circuitry within the image signal transmission device (200). For example, the communication unit (210) may include an internal bus and an external bus. As another example, the communication unit (210) may be an element connecting the image signal transmission device (200) and an external device. The communication unit (210) may be an interface. The communication unit (210) may receive data from an external device and transmit the data to the processor (220) and memory (230).

[0056] The processor (220) processes the data received by the communication unit (210) and the data stored in the memory (230).

[0057] "Processor" may be a data processing device implemented in hardware having a circuit having a physical structure for executing desired operations. For example, the desired operations may include code or instructions included in a program. For example, the data processing device implemented in hardware may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a processor core, a multi-core processor, a multiprocessor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0058] The processor (220) executes computer-readable code (e.g., software) stored in memory (e.g., memory (230)) and instructions triggered by the processor (220).

[0059] The memory (230) stores data received by the communication unit (210), data processed by the processor (220), and image information generated by the image sensor (110). For example, the memory (230) may store a program (or application, software). The program to be stored may be a set of syntaxes that are coded to transmit image signals and are executable by the processor (220).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the memory (230) may include one or more volatile memory, non-volatile memory and RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, hard disk drive and optical disk drive.

[0061] The memory (230) stores a set of instructions (e.g., software) for operating the image signal transmission device (200). The set of instructions for operating the image signal transmission device (200) is executed by the processor (220).

[0062] An image sensor receives light and generates image information corresponding to the received light. For example, the image sensor can generate an initial image array signal (e.g., Bayer pattern data) as image information.

[0063] The communication unit (210), processor (220), and memory (230) are described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

[0064]

[0065] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an image signal transmission method according to one embodiment.

[0066] The following operations 310 to 350 may be performed by an image signal transmission device (e.g., the image signal transmission device (120) of FIG. 1 and the image signal transmission device (200) of FIG. 2). The image signal transmission device may include a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit (210) of FIG. 2), a processor (e.g., the processor (220) of FIG. 2), and a memory (e.g., the memory (230) of FIG. 2).

[0067] In operation 310, the image signal transmission device may receive an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (110) of FIG. 1). The initial image array signal may be a digital signal.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the initial image array signal is raw data before color interpolation is performed, and each element of the initial image array signal may contain only information about the color of the filter of the image sensor at the corresponding pixel. As the image signal transmission device is configured to transmit the raw data to an image signal receiving device (e.g., the image signal receiving device (130) of FIG. 1), the image signal transmission device can transmit the image signal to the image signal receiving device in real time using only a small amount of resources.

[0069] The form of the initial image array signal may vary depending on the array pattern of the image sensor. For example, the image sensor may be composed of an RGB array pattern including R (red) pixels, G (green) pixels, and B (blue) pixels, and the initial image array signal may include multiple R elements picked up by multiple R pixels, multiple G elements picked up by multiple G pixels, and multiple B elements picked up by multiple B pixels. For example, the image sensor may be composed of an RGBIR array pattern including R pixels, G pixels, B pixels, and infrared (IR) pixels, and the initial image array signal may further include multiple IR elements picked up by IR pixels. For example, the image sensor may be composed of an RWB array pattern including R pixels, W (white) pixels, and B pixels, and the initial image array signal may include multiple R elements picked up by multiple R pixels, multiple W elements picked up by multiple W pixels, and multiple B elements picked up by multiple B pixels. The array pattern of the image sensor is not interpreted as being limited to the described embodiments.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the array pattern may include a plurality of unit array patterns. For example, the unit array pattern may be a 2×2 array pattern containing four elements. For example, an RGB array pattern is The unit array patterns of can be configured to repeat. For example, the RWB array pattern is The unit array patterns can be configured to repeat. For example, the unit array pattern can be a 4×4 array pattern containing 16 elements. For example, the RGBIR array pattern is The unit array patterns can be configured to be repeated. The size and shape of the unit array patterns are not interpreted as being limited to the described embodiments. The initial image array signal may include a plurality of unit image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit array patterns.

[0071] In a method where an initial image array signal is converted into an analog signal and the converted image signal is transmitted, the values ​​of elements may be distorted due to interference between neighboring elements as various types of elements are included in the horizontal lines of the image signal's active line. If the element values ​​are distorted, the distorted values ​​lead to degradation of the image generated through post-processing. To prevent this phenomenon of element value distortion, a conversion of the initial image array signal may be performed.

[0072] In operation 320, the image signal transmission device can generate a target image array signal by performing a color space conversion (CSC) on an initial image array signal. Each element of the target image array signal may represent a luminance component or a chrominance component. For example, the color space conversion may be a conversion that represents an initial array signal in an RGB color space into a YCbCr color space. For example, by performing a color space conversion on an initial image array signal comprising a plurality of R elements, a plurality of G elements, and a plurality of B elements, a target image array signal comprising a plurality of Y (luminance) components, a plurality of Cb (Chrominance-Blue) components, and a plurality of Cr (Chrominance-Red) components may be generated. The operation of generating a target image array signal by performing a color space conversion on an initial image array signal is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5a, and 5b.

[0073] In operation 330, the image signal transmission device can generate a target image array analog signal by converting a target image array signal, which is a digital signal, into an analog signal. For example, the target image array analog signal is an image signal based on the NTSC method, and the target image array analog signal may include a luminance signal, a chrominance signal, and a synchronization signal.

[0074] According to one embodiment, when an initial image array signal is directly converted into an analog signal, the analog signal includes luminance components and chrominance components corresponding to the number of pixels; however, when a target image array signal is converted into an analog signal, the target image array analog signal may include luminance components and chrominance components corresponding to half the number of pixels. The target image array analog signal can be transmitted and received with only half the clock frequency compared to the analog signal obtained by directly converting the initial image array signal into an analog signal.

[0075] In operation 340, the image signal transmission device can generate a vertical synchronization signal for the target image array analog signal. The vertical synchronization signal may be an analog signal. The length of the vertical synchronization signal may vary depending on the length of one horizontal line of the target image array analog signal.

[0076] In operation 350, the image signal transmission device may transmit an image signal, including a target image array analog signal and a vertical synchronization signal, to an image signal receiving device (e.g., the image signal receiving device (130) of FIG. 1). For example, the image signal transmission device (200) may transmit the image signal to the image signal receiving device via a cable such as a coaxial cable. The image signal receiving device may generate or restore an initial image array signal by processing the received image signal.

[0077] A method of generating a target image array signal by performing color space conversion on an initial image array signal and then converting it into an analog signal to transmit the target image array analog signal requires half the clock frequency compared to a method of directly converting and transmitting the initial image array signal into an analog signal. Therefore, an image signal transmission system (e.g., the image signal transmission system (100) of FIG. 1) can reduce the phenomenon of image signal degradation or transmit and receive image signals of higher quality at the same clock frequency by setting the clock frequency used for image signal transmission and reception to a lower level.

[0078] The method by which an image signal receiving device receives an image signal is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

[0079]

[0080] FIG. 4 illustrates an initial image array signal generated based on an RGB array pattern according to one example.

[0081] According to one embodiment, an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (110) of FIG. 1) may be composed of an RGB array pattern including R pixels, G pixels, and B pixels. An initial image array signal (400) generated by the RGB array pattern may be arranged such that elements of two different types frequently alternate on a single horizontal line. The initial image array signal (400) generated by the RGB array pattern may be represented in an RGB color space.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the array pattern of the image sensor may include a plurality of unit array patterns. For example, the array pattern of the image sensor is The unit array patterns can be configured to be repeated. The initial image array signal may include a plurality of unit image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit array patterns. For example, the initial image array signal corresponds to the unit array pattern It may include the first unit image array signal (410). and are the G elements of the first unit image array signal, and is the R element of the first unit image array signal, and is the B element of the first unit image array signal.

[0083] Since the initial image array signal (400) contains luminance components and chrominance components for each pixel, the analog image signal generated based on the initial image array signal (400) can be transmitted and received with a frequency clock corresponding to the number of pixels. Additionally, the analog image signal generated based on the initial image array signal (400), in which two different types of elements are arranged to frequently alternate on a single horizontal line, may experience image quality degradation during the transmission process.

[0084]

[0085] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate target image array signals generated as color space conversion is performed, according to one example.

[0086] In the operation 310 described above with reference to FIG. 3, an image signal transmission device (e.g., the image signal transmission device (120) of FIG. 1 and the image signal transmission device (200) of FIG. 2)) can generate a target image array signal (500) by performing a color space conversion on an initial image array signal (e.g., the initial image array signal (400) of FIG. 4).

[0087] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5a, each element of the target image array signal (500) may represent a luminance component or a chrominance component. For example, the color space conversion may be a conversion that represents the initial array signal in the YCbCr color space. For example, by performing a color space conversion on an initial image array signal comprising a plurality of R elements, a plurality of G elements, and a plurality of B elements, a target image array signal (500) comprising a plurality of Y elements, a plurality of Cb elements, and a plurality of Cr elements may be generated.

[0088] According to one embodiment, an image signal transmission device can generate a target image array signal (500) by performing color space conversion for each of a plurality of unit image array signals. For example, As the color space conversion of [Equation 1] below is performed for each unit image array signal for an initial image array signal including a first unit image array signal (e.g., the first unit image array signal (410) of FIG. 4), A target image array signal (500) including a first unit target image array signal (510) can be generated.

[0089]

[0090] and are the G elements of the first unit image array signal, and is the R element of the first unit image array signal, and is the B element of the first unit image array signal. and are the Y elements of the first unit target image array signal (510), and is the Cb element of the first unit target image array signal (510), and is a Cr element of the first unit target image array signal (510). The color space of the initial image array signal, the color space of the target image array signal, and the mathematical formula for color space conversion are not limited to the described embodiments.

[0091] The target image array signal (500) may include a plurality of unit target image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit image array signals. As described in the example, each of the plurality of unit target image array signals may include the same number of elements as each of the plurality of unit image array signals.

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 5b, the target image array signal (500) contains only one luminance component or one chrominance component for each pixel, so it can be understood as a virtual target image array signal (520) in which the number of pixels is half and each pixel contains one luminance component and one chrominance component. An analog image signal generated based on the virtual target image array signal (520) can be transmitted and received with a frequency clock corresponding to half the number of pixels.

[0093]

[0094] Figure 6 illustrates an active line among image signals according to one example.

[0095] The active line (600) containing the target image array analog signal within the image signal includes a blank area (610) and an active area (620). For example, the target image array analog signal may be an image signal based on the NTSC method.

[0096] The blank area (610) may include a sink (612) and a burst (614). The sink (612) may be a horizontal direction synchronization signal. The sink (612) may be used to generate a horizontal reference signal when demodulating an image signal into a digital signal. The burst (614) may be a color difference restoration signal.

[0097] The active area (620) includes a signal of any one horizontal line of the target image array analog signal. The signals included in the active area (620) may include only a signal for one channel corresponding to the luminance signal and a signal for one channel corresponding to the chrominance signal.

[0098]

[0099] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for generating a target image array analog signal based on a first luminance element and a first chrominance element according to one example, and FIG. 8 illustrates a target image array analog signal generated based on a first luminance element and a first chrominance element according to one example.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the following operation 710 may be performed by an image signal transmission device (e.g., the image signal transmission device (120) of FIG. 1 and the image signal transmission device (200) of FIG. 2). The image signal transmission device may include a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit (210) of FIG. 2), a processor (e.g., the processor (220) of FIG. 2), and a memory (e.g., the memory (230) of FIG. 2). For example, the operation 330 described above with reference to FIG. 3 may include operation 710.

[0101] In operation 710, the image signal transmission device may generate a target image array analog signal such that a first luminance element representing a luminance component and a first chrominance element representing a chrominance component among the elements included in the target image array signal correspond to a first line (810) of the target image array analog signal. For example, the first line (810) of the target image array analog signal may be one of the intervals separated by consecutive horizontal synchronization pulses in the target image array analog signal. For example, the first line (810) of the target image array analog signal may be generated to correspond to a first row of the target image array signal. In the above example, the first luminance signal (820) included in the first line (810) may correspond to the luminance elements of the first row of the target image array signal, and the first chrominance signal (830) may correspond to the chrominance elements of the first row of the target image array signal.

[0102] Each of the lines included in the target image array analog signal can be included in each of the active lines of the image signal.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 8, a first line (810) of a target image array analog signal may include a first luminance signal (820), a first chrominance signal (830), and a burst (832). The first luminance signal (820) may represent the level of a first luminance element. The first chrominance signal (830) may represent the level of a first chrominance element. The burst (832) may be a reference signal used for the restoration of the first chrominance signal (830).

[0104] Since the initial image array signal (e.g., the initial image array signal (400) of FIG. 4) contains luminance and chrominance components for each pixel, the analog image signal generated based on the initial image array signal must be transmitted and received with a frequency clock corresponding to the number of pixels. Additionally, the analog image signal generated based on the initial image array signal, in which two different types of elements are arranged to alternate frequently on a single horizontal line, may experience image quality degradation during transmission.

[0105] Since the target image array signal (e.g., the target image array signal (500) of FIG. 5a) represents only one luminance component or one chrominance component for each pixel, the analog image signal generated based on the virtual target image array signal (e.g., the virtual target image array signal (520) of FIG. 5b) can be transmitted and received at a frequency clock corresponding to half the number of pixels. The method of transmitting the target image array signal, after color space conversion, as an analog signal can reduce the clock frequency required for transmitting and receiving the analog signal by half compared to the method of directly transmitting the initial image array signal as an analog signal. The image signal transmission system (e.g., the image signal transmission system (100) of FIG. 1) can reduce image quality degradation or transmit and receive an image signal of higher quality at the same clock frequency by setting the clock frequency used for transmitting and receiving the image signal low.

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an image signal receiving device according to one embodiment.

[0108] The image signal receiving device (900) includes a communication unit (910), a processor (920), and a memory (930). For example, the image signal receiving device (900) may further include a display (e.g., the display (140) of FIG. 1).

[0109] The communication unit (910) is connected to the processor (920) and memory (930) to transmit and receive data. The communication unit (910) can be connected to other external devices to transmit and receive data.

[0110] The communication unit (910) may be implemented as a circuit network within the image signal receiving device (900). For example, the communication unit (910) may include an internal bus and an external bus. As another example, the communication unit (910) may be an element connecting the image signal receiving device (900) and an external device. The communication unit (910) may be an interface. The communication unit (910) may receive data from an external device and transmit the data to the processor (920) and memory (930).

[0111] The processor (920) processes data received by the communication unit (910) and data stored in memory (930). The processor (920) may further include an Image Signal Processor (ISP).

[0112] The processor (920) can execute computer-readable code (e.g., software) stored in memory (e.g., memory (930)) and instructions triggered by the processor (920).

[0113] The memory (930) stores data received by the communication unit (910) and data processed by the processor (920). For example, the memory (930) can store a program (or application, software). The program to be stored may be a set of syntax that is coded to receive an image signal and is executable by the processor (920).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the memory (930) may include one or more volatile memory, non-volatile memory and RAM, flash memory, hard disk drive and optical disk drive.

[0115] The memory (930) stores a set of instructions (e.g., software) for operating the image signal receiving device (900). The set of instructions for operating the image signal receiving device (900) is executed by the processor (920).

[0116] The communication unit (910), processor (920), and memory (930) are described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an image signal reception method according to one embodiment.

[0119] The following operations 1010 to 1050 may be performed by an image signal receiving device (e.g., the image signal receiving device (130) of FIG. 1 and the image signal receiving device (900) of FIG. 9). The image signal receiving device may include a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit (910) of FIG. 9), a processor (e.g., the processor (920) of FIG. 9), and a memory (e.g., the memory (930) of FIG. 9).

[0120] In operation 1010, the image signal receiving device can receive an image signal from an image signal transmitting device (e.g., the image signal transmitting device (120) of FIG. 1 and the image signal transmitting device (200) of FIG. 2). For example, the image signal can be received through a cable.

[0121] The image signal may be an image signal generated according to the image signal transmission method described above with reference to FIG. 3. The image signal may include a target image array analog signal corresponding to a target image array signal in which color space conversion is performed on an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor (e.g., image sensor (110) of FIG. 1). The image signal may include a target image array analog signal and a vertical synchronization signal.

[0122] In operation 1020, the image signal receiving device can separate the target image array analog signal within the image signal based on the vertical synchronization signal of the image signal. For example, the image signal receiving device can determine the active line of the image signal based on the vertical synchronization signal of the image signal and separate the target array analog signal included in the active line.

[0123] In operation 1030, the image signal receiving device can generate a target image array signal by converting the target image array analog signal into a digital signal. The operation of generating the target image array signal is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12.

[0124] In operation 1040, the image signal receiving device may generate an initial image array signal by performing an inverse color space conversion on the target image array signal. For example, the color space conversion (e.g., the color space conversion described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5b) may be pre-set between the image signal receiving device and the image signal transmitting device. For example, the color space conversion may be obtained by additional information added within the image signal.

[0125] According to one embodiment, each element of the target image array signal may represent a luminance component or a chrominance component. For example, the inverse transformation of the color space transformation may be a transformation that represents the target image array signal in the YCbCr color space in the RGB color space.

[0126] According to one embodiment, an image signal transmission device can generate an initial image array signal by performing an inverse color space conversion for each of a plurality of unit target image array signals. For example, the inverse color space conversion includes the target image array signal The first unit target image array signal (e.g., the first unit target image array signal (510) of FIG. 5a) is included in the initial image array signal. The transformation may be represented by the first unit image array signal (e.g., the first unit image array signal (410) of FIG. 4). For example, if the size of the unit target image array signal is 2×2, the image signal transmission device may perform the inverse transformation of the color space transformation whenever the unit target image array signal for two rows is generated.

[0127] In operation 1050, the image signal receiving device can generate an image by post-processing an initial image array signal and output the generated image through a display (e.g., the display (140) of FIG. 1) or store it in memory (e.g., the memory (930) of FIG. 9). For example, the ISP of the image signal receiving device can generate an image by calculating the values ​​of the R channel, G channel, and B channel for each pixel of the image based on the initial image array signal.

[0128]

[0129] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for generating a target image array signal by obtaining a first luminance element and a first chrominance element from a target image array analog signal according to one example, and FIG. 12 illustrates a luminance signal and a chrominance signal obtained from a target image array analog signal according to one example.

[0130] The following operations 1110 to 1130 may be performed by an image signal receiving device (e.g., the image signal receiving device (130) of FIG. 1 and the image signal receiving device (900) of FIG. 9). The image signal receiving device may include a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit (910) of FIG. 9), a processor (e.g., the processor (920) of FIG. 9), and a memory (e.g., the memory (930) of FIG. 9). For example, the operation 1030 described above with reference to FIG. 10 may include operations 1110 to 1130.

[0131] In operation 1110, the image signal receiving device can separate the target image array analog signal into a luminance signal and a chrominance signal.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 12, an image signal receiving device can separate a target image array analog signal (e.g., the target image array analog signal (810) of FIG. 8) into a luminance signal and a chrominance signal using a band split filter (BSF) (1210). The luminance signal may include a first luminance signal (1220) (e.g., the first luminance signal (820) of FIG. 8), and the chrominance signal may include a first chrominance signal (1230) (e.g., the first chrominance signal (830) of FIG. 8) and a burst (1232) (e.g., the burst (832) of FIG. 8).

[0133] In operation 1120, the image signal receiving device can determine a first luminance element corresponding to the first luminance signal (1220) and a first color difference element corresponding to the first color difference signal (1230) by converting the luminance signal and the color difference signal, which are analog signals, into digital signals. For example, the first color difference element can be determined by restoring the first color difference signal (1230) based on a burst (1232).

[0134] In operation 1130, the image signal receiving device can generate a target image array signal based on a first luminance element and a first chrominance element. For example, the target image array signal is When including the first unit target image array signal (e.g., the first unit target image array signal (510) of FIG. 5a), the first luminance element and the first chrominance element of the first line are respectively and It is determined as such, and the second luminance element and the second color difference element of the second line are respectively and It can be determined as.

[0135]

[0136] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiment, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0137] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively. Software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave so as to be interpreted by the processing unit or to provide instructions or data to the processing unit. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0138] Although the embodiments described above have been explained with reference to limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, appropriate results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0139] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. An image signal transmission method performed by an image signal transmission device, Operation of receiving an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor; An operation to generate a target image array signal in which each element represents a luminance component or a chrominance component by performing a color space conversion (CSC) on the initial image array signal above; An operation to generate a target image array analog signal by converting the target image array signal, which is a digital signal, into an analog signal; The operation of generating a vertical synchronization signal for the analog signal of the target image array; and Operation of transmitting an image signal including the target image array analog signal and the vertical synchronization signal to an image signal receiving device. including, Image signal transmission method.

2. In Paragraph 1, The image sensor above is composed of an array pattern including R (red) pixels, G (green) pixels, and B (blue) pixels, and The above initial image array signal includes a plurality of R elements picked up by a plurality of R pixels, a plurality of G elements picked up by a plurality of G pixels, and a plurality of B elements picked up by a plurality of B pixels. Image signal transmission method.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above array pattern includes a plurality of unit array patterns, and The above initial image array signal includes a plurality of unit image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit array patterns, and The operation of generating the above target image array signal is, Operation of generating the target image array signal by performing color space conversion for each of the plurality of unit image array signals. including, Image signal transmission method.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above unit array pattern is a 2×2 array pattern containing four elements, Image signal transmission method.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above target image array signal includes a plurality of unit target image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit image array signals, and each of the plurality of unit target image array signals includes the same number of elements as each of the plurality of unit image array signals. Image signal transmission method.

6. In Paragraph 2, The array pattern of the image sensor further includes infrared pixels, Image signal transmission method.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above image sensor is composed of an array pattern including R (red) pixels, W (white) pixels, and B (blue) pixels, and The above initial image array signal includes a plurality of R elements picked up by a plurality of R pixels, a plurality of W elements picked up by a plurality of W pixels, and a plurality of B elements picked up by a plurality of B pixels. Image signal transmission method.

8. In Paragraph 1, The operation of generating the above target image array analog signal is, An operation to generate a target image array analog signal such that a first luminance element representing a luminance component and a first chrominance element representing a chrominance component among the elements included in the target image array signal correspond to a first line of the target image array analog signal distinguished by a horizontal direction synchronization pulse. including, Image signal transmission method.

9. An image signal transmission device that performs an image signal transmission method, At least one processor; and Memory that stores instructions Includes, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the image signal transmission device is made to at least: Operation of receiving an initial image array signal generated from an image sensor; An operation to generate a target image array signal in which each element represents a luminance component or a chrominance component by performing a color space conversion (CSC) of the initial image array signal; An operation to generate a target image array analog signal by converting the target image array signal, which is a digital signal, into an analog signal; The operation of generating a vertical synchronization signal for the analog signal of the target image array; and Operation of transmitting an image signal including the target image array analog signal and the vertical synchronization signal to an image signal receiving device. causing to perform, Image signal transmission device.

10. In Paragraph 9, The image sensor above is composed of an array pattern including R (red) pixels, G (green) pixels, and B (blue) pixels, and The above initial image array signal includes a plurality of R elements picked up by a plurality of R pixels, a plurality of G elements picked up by a plurality of G pixels, and a plurality of B elements picked up by a plurality of B pixels. Image signal transmission device.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above array pattern includes a plurality of unit array patterns, and The above initial image array signal includes a plurality of unit image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit array patterns, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the image signal transmission device is made to at least: Operation of generating the target image array signal by performing color space conversion for each of the plurality of unit image array signals. to make it perform more, Image signal transmission device.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above unit array pattern is a 2×2 array pattern containing four elements, Image signal transmission device.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above target image array signal includes a plurality of unit target image array signals corresponding to each of the plurality of unit image array signals, and each of the plurality of unit target image array signals includes the same number of elements as each of the plurality of unit image array signals. Image signal transmission device.

14. In Paragraph 9, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the image signal transmission device is made to at least: An operation to generate a target image array analog signal such that a first luminance element representing a luminance component and a first chrominance element representing a chrominance component among the elements included in the target image array signal correspond to a first line of the target image array analog signal distinguished by a horizontal direction synchronization pulse. to make it perform more, Image signal transmission device.

15. A computer-readable recording medium containing a program for performing the method of paragraph 1.

Images