Image Signal Processor for Direct Non-Bayer Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image signal processors require converting non-Bayer pattern image data into Bayer pattern data, leading to data loss, time consumption, and excessive electrical power usage.

Innovation Solution

An image signal processor that directly processes non-Bayer pattern image data without conversion, utilizing a color position controller to determine pixel colors and perform specific processing based on indexing values, including a Bayer domain processing block and an RGB/YUV domain processing block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-Bayer pattern image data is converted into Bayer pattern image data for processing, then compatibility with conventional image signal processors is maintained, but data loss occurs, time consumption increases, and electrical power usage becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with conventional processorsVSAvoiddata loss during conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of converting non-Bayer pattern data to Bayer pattern data (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by directly processing non-Bayer pattern data using a dedicated processing block that handles multiple pixel patterns simultaneously, thereby eliminating conversion-related data loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal image signal processor that can handle both Bayer and non-Bayer patterns through a multi-functional architecture. The Bayer domain processing block is designed to process various pixel patterns (Bayer, tetra, Nona, etc.) without requiring conversion, making the processor adaptable to different image sensor types while preserving data integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If non-Bayer pattern image data is converted into Bayer pattern image data, then processing can be performed using conventional methods, but time consumption and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the conversion step from the processing pipeline by implementing a dedicated non-Bayer processing block that directly handles non-Bayer pattern data. This eliminates the time-consuming conversion operation while maintaining full processing capability through specialized algorithms designed for direct non-Bayer data processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If non-Bayer pattern image data is converted into Bayer pattern image data, then conventional processing algorithms can be used, but electrical power usage becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgorithm compatibilityVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical conversion process (which requires significant computational resources and power) with a direct processing approach. The Bayer domain processing block uses optimized algorithms that operate natively on non-Bayer data, substituting the power-intensive conversion mechanism with an efficient direct-processing mechanism that achieves the same processing goals with reduced energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12452394B2Image signal processor processing image data having non-bayer pattern and image processing device including same

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An image processing device includes; an image sensor including pixels arranged in a non-Bayer pattern and configured to generate non-Bayer pattern image data in response to electrical signals generated by the pixels, and an image signal processor configured to determine an indexing value indicating a color of a target pixel among the pixels and directly process the non-Bayer pattern image data in response to the indexing value.