Demosaicing Intermediate Image Generation for Bayer Array Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The demosaicing process for converting Bayer array images into color images is inefficient due to the need for different algorithms based on varying pixel patterns, leading to wasteful repetition in determining pixel values and poor execution efficiency with SIMD technologies.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that generates an intermediate image by setting basic pixel values as intermediate pixel data, allowing for efficient determination of final pixel values using interpolation and coefficient-based prediction, reducing the need for multiple algorithms and enhancing SIMD utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different algorithms are executed for each pixel type in the Bayer array, then the demosaicing process can handle varying pixel patterns, but the process becomes wasteful due to repeated determination of pixel values and execution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Bayer array processing into two distinct stages: first generating an intermediate image where each pixel position is processed independently with a single algorithm, then generating the final color image by combining intermediate pixels. This segmentation eliminates the need to execute different algorithms for each pixel type while maintaining adaptability to different pixel patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing by generating the intermediate image first, where pixel values are determined in advance for each position regardless of its final color role. This preliminary action prevents wasteful repeated determinations because each pixel value is calculated only once in the intermediate stage, before the final demosaicing combines these pre-computed values.
2Measurement precision
If multiple algorithms are used for different pixel colors, then accurate color determination can be achieved, but SIMD technology cannot be effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing of all pixel types into a single unified algorithm for generating the intermediate image. Instead of executing separate algorithms for R, G, and B pixels, the same interpolation algorithm is applied uniformly to all positions, creating intermediate values that are then combined to produce the final accurate color image. This merging enables SIMD utilization while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate image acts as an intermediary structure that decouples the uniform processing requirement from the final color accuracy requirement. The intermediate pixels serve as mediators that are computed using a single algorithm suitable for SIMD, then combined through the demosaicing process to achieve accurate final pixel values without requiring multiple specialized algorithms.
3Loss of information
If pixel values are determined multiple times for the same pixel, then comprehensive color information can be obtained, but the process becomes wasteful and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the pixel value determination in advance during intermediate image generation, calculating all necessary color component values once for each pixel position. These pre-determined values are stored in the intermediate image and then combined to form the final color image, eliminating the need for repeated determinations while ensuring comprehensive color information is captured.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate image serves as a copy or preliminary version of the final image structure, containing pre-computed pixel values that can be reused multiple times during the final demosaicing process. Instead of recalculating pixel values for each color component, the system copies and combines the pre-computed intermediate values, reducing processing time while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program that can highly efficiently execute a generation process of a color image based on an image including a plurality of pixel sets each including a plurality of single-color pixels arranged in a predetermined color pattern, in which the pixel sets are vertically and horizontally arranged side by side. An intermediate image generation unit (64) generates, based on a basic image, an intermediate image in which pixel values of a plurality of basic pixels included in the pixel set are set as values of intermediate pixel data of one intermediate pixel associated with the pixel set. A pixel value determination unit (70) determines pixel values of a plurality of colors of at least one final pixel associated with a target intermediate pixel based on values of the intermediate pixel data of the target intermediate pixel and values of the intermediate pixel data of the intermediate pixel adjacent to the target intermediate pixel. A final image generation unit (72) generates a final image based on pixel values of a plurality of colors of a plurality of final pixels.