CMOS Image Sensor Supersaturation Correction via Peripheral Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensing devices face challenges in correcting pixel values of supersaturated pixels, particularly in CMOS image sensing devices, where existing methods fail to accurately determine and address supersaturation across different color filter groups, leading to image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
An image sensing device with a pixel array arranged in a quad pattern and an image processor that determines supersaturation based on pixel values from different color filter groups, correcting pixel values using equations that incorporate average values from peripheral pixels to generate a Bayer-patterned image, thereby addressing supersaturation across the array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to determine supersaturation in CMOS image sensing devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of pixel values deteriorates leading to inaccurate supersaturation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into different color filter groups (first, second, and third groups with different color filters). The image processor separately determines supersaturation for each group by comparing pixel values within that group, rather than using a unified method. This segmentation allows accurate supersaturation detection for each color channel while maintaining manageable processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supersaturation determination is performed locally within each color filter group by comparing pixel values of pixels having the same color filter. This local comparison approach ensures that the detection is adapted to the specific characteristics of each color group, improving measurement precision without requiring a globally complex system.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel values of supersaturated pixels are not corrected, then the device complexity is minimized, but the manufacturing precision of image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image processor performs supersaturation correction as a preliminary step in the image generation process. By identifying and correcting supersaturated pixel values before final image processing, the system ensures high image quality without adding complex post-processing steps. The correction uses simple comparison logic and peripheral pixel averaging, keeping the correction process itself relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processor acts as an intermediary between the image sensor and the final image output. It receives raw pixel values, performs supersaturation correction using peripheral pixel values as reference, and generates corrected pixel values for image generation. This intermediary role allows quality improvement without requiring complex changes to the sensor hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a quad pattern pixel array is used instead of traditional patterns, then the adaptability of the image sensing device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the conversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The image processor is designed to handle both quad pattern input and generate Bayer pattern output, making it multi-functional. The same processor performs both the pattern conversion and the supersaturation correction operations, rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits. This universal approach improves adaptability while controlling complexity through functional integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively corrects supersaturated pixel values by utilizing the average values from peripheral pixels, ensuring accurate image generation and maintaining texture uniformity, thus improving image quality by addressing the issue of supersaturation in CMOS image sensing devices.
Implementation Method 1
Image sensing devices capture images by using a semiconductor property which reacts to light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image sensing device that includes an image sensor including a pixel array, the pixel array including arranged in a predetermined pattern a first group of pixels having a first color filter, a second group of pixels having a second color filter and a third group of pixels having a third color filter, and an image processor suitable for determining, based on pixel values outputted from the image sensor, whether a group having a minimum number of pixels among the first to third groups of pixels are supersaturated and correcting a pixel value of at least one supersaturated pixel according to a determination result.