Automated 3D LUT Generation for Image Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems face difficulties in generating standardized 3D look-up tables (LUTs) that accurately represent the processing steps and settings of different image processors, leading to incompatibilities and inefficiencies in achieving consistent image processing results across various devices.
Innovation Solution
An image processor capable of automatically generating a 3D LUT by running test signals through its software and hardware, without requiring external equipment, and optionally connected to an external image processing device to capture and replicate the image processing steps of both internal and external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used to generate 3D LUTs for different image processors, then compatibility between devices can be achieved, but the process requires external equipment and significant manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The image processor automatically generates its own 3D LUT by processing test signals internally and measuring its own output characteristics. The processor uses its built-in test signal generator to create input signals, processes them through its image processing circuitry, and uses its own measurement capabilities to capture output RGB values, eliminating the need for external equipment or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically varies test signal parameters (RGB input values) across the full range (0-255 for each channel) to systematically map the image processor's transfer characteristics. By changing input parameters and measuring corresponding output parameters, the system automatically generates the 3D LUT data points representing the processor's color transformation behavior.
2Productivity
If standardized 3D LUT generation is implemented, then workflow efficiency improves, but achieving accurate representation of processing steps across different devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The image processor measures its own output signals and uses this feedback to automatically determine the 3D LUT entries. The measurement block captures the actual output RGB values produced by the processor for each test input, and this measured data directly populates the 3D LUT, ensuring accurate representation of the processor's actual processing characteristics without manual calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated 3D LUT generation method is universally applicable to any image processor that can process test signals and provide measurable outputs. The same automatic generation process works across different processor models and manufacturers, creating standardized LUTs that accurately represent each device's unique processing characteristics without requiring device-specific manual procedures.
3Measurement precision
If external equipment is used to generate 3D LUTs, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional resources
Solution Approach 1:
The image processor performs all measurement functions internally using its own measurement block, eliminating the need for external measurement equipment. The processor generates test signals internally, processes them, measures its own outputs, and automatically creates the 3D LUT, significantly reducing generation time and removing dependencies on external devices while maintaining measurement accuracy through its built-in capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple functions (test signal generation, image processing, output measurement, and LUT creation) into a single integrated operation within the image processor itself. By merging these previously separate steps into one automated internal process, the system eliminates the time required for external equipment setup, manual signal routing, and manual data collection while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processor is disclosed which is capable of automatically generating a series of test signals, running the test signals through its image processing software and hardware, and capturing the resulting output signals to automatically generate a 3D LUT that represents most or all of the imaging processing steps being performed by the image processor. No external equipment is required to generate the 3D LUT. In other embodiments, the image processor may be connected to an external image processing device, and the image processor can then automatically generate a series of test signals, run those test signals through the external image processing device, and capture the resulting output signals to automatically generate a 3D LUT that represents most of all of the image processing steps being performed by the external image processing device.