Color Frame Processing for Image Sensor Noise and Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia reading terminals face performance and cost challenges due to increased pixel density in image sensors, leading to lower signal-to-noise ratio and higher memory bandwidth overhead, which affects decode performance and hand motion tolerance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a two-dimensional color image sensor with a specific readout pattern that combines charges from groups of pixels, such as 2×2 binning, to improve signal-to-noise ratio and reduce memory bandwidth, using a Bayer pattern filter array and analog or digital binning techniques to produce single digital pixel values from multiple pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in the image sensor is increased to improve resolution, then the manufacturing precision and measurement capability are improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates and memory bandwidth overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines charges from multiple pixels (e.g., 2×2 binning) into a single pixel value, merging signals to improve signal-to-noise ratio while managing memory bandwidth requirements for high-resolution sensors
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in the image sensor is increased to improve resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the memory bandwidth overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple pixels through binning operations, reducing the total number of pixel values that need to be stored and processed, thereby decreasing memory bandwidth overhead while preserving essential image information
3Area of stationary object
If pixel size is reduced to increase the number of pixels, then the area utilization is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced signal-to-noise ratio of smaller pixels by combining charges from multiple small pixels into larger effective pixels through binning, thereby improving signal strength while maintaining high pixel density
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
This approach enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, increases frame readout rate, and reduces memory overhead, leading to improved decode performance and tolerance for hand motion, while maintaining or reducing pixel resolution as needed.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto the two-dimensional image sensor
Implementation Method 2
a two-dimensional image sensor including a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns
Data Source
AI summary
An indicia reading terminal can comprise an image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional image sensor, a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor, and an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The two-dimensional image sensor can include a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns. Each pattern can include at least one pixel sensitive in a first spectrum region, at least one pixel sensitive in a second spectrum region, and at least one pixel sensitive in a third spectrum region. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to capture a frame of image data by reading out a plurality of analog signals. Each read out analog signal can be representative of light incident on a group of two or more pixels of the plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be further configured to convert the plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals and to store the plurality of digital signals in a memory. The indicia reading terminal can be operative to process the frame of image data for attempting to decode for decodable indicia.