Adaptive Pixel Correction for Multi-Color Matrix Sensors

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-color matrix-based sensor arrangements face increasing probabilities of defective pixels, which are commercially unacceptable due to high rates of pixel defects, especially in applications like digital cameras and scientific imaging, where existing algorithms are inefficient in correcting defects with minimal memory and power consumption while being independent of DSP-based algorithms.

Innovation Solution

The method introduces cross-correlation between different color planes to correct defective pixels by collecting pixel values from a two-dimensional multi-pixel kernel, generating vectors, normalizing values, and determining an estimated value based on these normalized values, utilizing the perceptual relevance of edge continuity and pictorial image R-G-B correlation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pixel defect correction algorithms are used, then defective pixels can be corrected, but memory consumption and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel defect correctionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the correction process into distinct functional modules: a defect detection module that identifies defective pixels, a correction module that applies correction algorithms, and a validation module that verifies correction quality. This segmentation allows each module to operate efficiently with minimal memory footprint and power consumption, avoiding the need to load entire images into memory for processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial correction by applying correction algorithms only to detected defective pixels rather than processing entire images. The correction is applied selectively based on defect detection results, significantly reducing computational load and power consumption while maintaining correction effectiveness for the specific defective areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If traditional pixel defect correction algorithms are used, then defective pixels can be corrected, but memory facilities required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel defect correctionVSAvoidmemory facilities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the correction process into distinct functional modules: a defect detection module that identifies defective pixels, a correction module that applies correction algorithms, and a validation module that verifies correction quality. This segmentation allows each module to operate efficiently with minimal memory footprint and power consumption, avoiding the need to load entire images into memory for processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial correction by applying correction algorithms only to detected defective pixels rather than processing entire images. The correction is applied selectively based on defect detection results, significantly reducing computational load and power consumption while maintaining correction effectiveness for the specific defective areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If cross-correlation between different color planes is introduced, then perceptual error is minimized and edge continuity is maintained, but algorithm complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperceptual error minimizationVSAvoidalgorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges correction operations across multiple color planes (R, G, B) by applying the same correction algorithm simultaneously to corresponding pixels in different color channels. This merging approach maintains edge continuity and minimizes perceptual error by ensuring consistent correction across color planes, while the unified algorithm structure prevents exponential complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal correction algorithm that functions across all color planes and various defect categories (single pixel defects, cluster defects, column defects). This multi-functional approach maintains edge continuity and minimizes perceptual error through consistent application of the same correction logic, while avoiding the need for separate complex algorithms for each defect type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7477781B1Method and apparatus for adaptive pixel correction of multi-color matrix

Publication Date: 2009.01.13 TELEDYNE DIGITAL IMAGING INC(CA)

AI summary

A method of adaptive pixel correction of a multi-color matrix from a sensor includes collecting pixel values, generating plural vectors, normalizing values and determining an estimated value. The collecting pixel values collects values of a two-dimensional multi-pixel kernel around a particular pixel from the multi-color matrix. The generating plural vectors generates vectors from the kernel where each vector has the particular pixel as a central element. The normalizing values normalizes values for nearest neighbor elements to the central element for each vector. The determining an estimated value determines the value based on the normalized values.