Dynamic Camera Configuration File for Platform-Independent Image Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera systems lack a common layer for camera module tuning parameters, leading to increased development time and non-reusable image quality tunings across different platforms, requiring separate adjustments for each camera/image signal processor combination, and exposing proprietary algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A common dynamic camera configuration file is used to select and convert camera module characterization parameters into image signal processing parameters, enabling automatic tuning of images across various platforms without needing specific image signal processor configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate tuning parameters are used for each camera/image signal processor combination, then image quality can be optimized for specific hardware, but development time increases and tuning cannot be reused across platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tuning parameters into two distinct layers: a common dynamic camera configuration file containing camera module characterization parameters, and image signal processor-specific parameters. This segmentation allows the common parameters to be reused across different platforms while maintaining hardware-specific optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion layer that translates camera module characterization parameters from the common configuration file into image signal processor-specific parameters. This intermediary enables platform-independent camera tuning without exposing proprietary image signal processor algorithms, resolving the contradiction between reusability and hardware optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary image signal processor algorithms are exposed for tuning, then customization for specific hardware is possible, but intellectual property is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the common dynamic camera configuration file as an intermediary layer that interfaces with the image signal processor without exposing its internal algorithms. The configuration file contains camera module characterization parameters that can be converted to processor-specific parameters through a conversion mechanism, enabling customization while protecting intellectual property.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy or representation of the necessary tuning parameters in the common configuration file format, which captures the essential camera module characteristics without replicating the proprietary image signal processor algorithms. This allows the parameters to be shared and converted across platforms without exposing the original proprietary implementations.
3Ease of manufacture
If camera module tuning is performed independently of hardware availability, then development flexibility increases, but hardware-specific optimization may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary creation and validation of the common dynamic camera configuration file before actual hardware is available. The configuration file can be prepared with camera module characterization parameters in advance, and the conversion mechanism ensures these parameters are properly translated to hardware-specific implementations when the actual hardware becomes available, maintaining both flexibility and optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An image restoration method includes providing image data (260) including image statistics (230) using a digital camera module. A set of digital camera module characterization parameters is selected from a common dynamic camera configuration file (210) using the image statistics (230). The selected digital camera module characterization parameters are converted to image signal processing parameters and the image data is tuned using the image signal processing parameters for providing a tuned image (270). The method may involve lens shading correction as well adjusting the processing to the characteristics of the image sensor (250).