10-bit Image Processing Using 8-bit Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices designed for 8-bit color depths struggle to accommodate higher bit-depths, making it difficult and costly to modify or replace resources to support more precise color scanning.
Innovation Solution
A method where data at a higher bit-depth is processed using resources that operate at a lower bit-depth by converting the data into an estimated value, calculating a residual, and then recovering the original data, allowing existing resources to handle higher bit-depth signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If imaging devices use 8-bit resources for processing, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and color scanning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing into multiple stages: first converting high-bit-depth data to low-bit-depth for processing, then recovering the high-bit-depth data after processing. This segmentation allows existing 8-bit resources to handle 10-bit or higher precision data without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that translates between different bit-depth representations. The converter acts as a mediator that enables communication between high-precision input data and low-precision processing resources, preserving information through residual calculation and subsequent recovery.
2Measurement precision
If imaging devices are modified to support higher bit-depths, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bit-depth conversion that adapts the data representation based on processing requirements. The system dynamically converts between high and low bit-depth formats during different processing stages, allowing flexible use of existing resources while maintaining high precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bit-depth parameter of the data during processing. By converting the bit-depth parameter from high to low for processing and then recovering it, the system can use existing 8-bit resources to process higher precision data without physical hardware modifications.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing 8-bit resources are used without modification, then ease of manufacture and cost are maintained, but adaptability to higher bit-depths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing 8-bit resources universal by implementing a conversion framework that allows them to process multiple bit-depth formats. The same 8-bit processing resources can handle both native 8-bit data and converted high-bit-depth data, increasing their versatility without requiring different hardware for different precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to an imaging device that extends the processing of resources to data having a greater bit-depth. A signal having data at the first bit-depth is received, and at least a portion of the data at the first bit-depth is converted into an estimated value that is at the second bit-depth. A residual that indicates a difference between the data and the estimated value is determined. The estimated value is processed through the resource to form processed data that is at the second bit-depth. The data is then substantially recovered at the first bit-depth from the processed data that is at the second bit-depth and based on the residual.