Dynamic Region of Interest Adjustment in Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photographing systems waste resources due to idle pixels, as they are arranged in excess of output resolution to prevent vignetting, leading to inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A photographing system that includes an image sensor with a pixel array, a memory for storing register values, and a sensor controller to dynamically adjust the region of interest by modifying register values based on user input or analysis of image data, allowing for efficient use of all pixels by changing the position and size of the region processed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If more pixels are arranged in the image sensor to prevent vignetting, then image quality at edges is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to idle pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic region of interest (ROI) configuration that allows the active pixel region to be adjusted in real-time based on shooting requirements. The sensor controller can dynamically modify register values to change the ROI position and size, enabling flexible utilization of the pixel array. This dynamic approach transforms the static waste of fixed ROI configuration into adaptive resource allocation, improving resource utilization efficiency while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the region of interest (position and size) to optimize pixel utilization. By adjusting the ROI parameters according to different shooting scenarios, the system can effectively use different portions of the pixel array, converting idle pixels into active resources. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction between maintaining image quality and improving resource utilization.
2Device complexity
If a fixed region of interest is configured in the image sensor, then image processing is simplified, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to idle pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic ROI configuration through register modification commands that can adjust the active region in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain relatively simple processing architecture while adapting the ROI to different shooting requirements, thereby improving pixel utilization without significantly increasing processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image sensor system multi-functional by enabling it to adapt to different ROI configurations for various shooting scenarios. The same sensor hardware can serve multiple functions by changing its active region, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for different configurations and improving resource utilization without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Productivity
If the region of interest is dynamically adjusted, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to register modification commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor controller as an intermediary between the host and the image sensor. This intermediary handles the complexity of register modification commands, translating high-level ROI adjustment requests into specific register operations. By placing this intermediary layer, the system achieves dynamic ROI adjustment and improved resource utilization while shielding the upper layers from the complexity of direct register manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent stores register values in memory, creating a copy of the sensor configuration state. This allows the system to load different ROI configurations from memory without complex real-time calculations, simplifying the dynamic adjustment process. The memory copy mechanism enables efficient switching between different ROI settings, improving resource utilization while maintaining manageable system complexity.
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 resource utilization efficiency by reconfiguring the region of interest within the image sensor, reducing waste and improving image processing without the need for physical lens adjustments, thus conserving energy and resources.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array which is formed by arranging pixels, and each pixel generates an electrical signal in response to light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image sensor including a pixel array formed by arranging pixels, which generate an electrical signal in response to light; a memory for storing a register value of the image sensor; and a sensor controller for configuring the register value, wherein the register value includes information for defining a region to be processed in the pixel array, and when a change request for changing at least one of a position and a size of the region to be processed is received, the sensor controller provides a register modification command for adjusting the register value so as to correspond to the change request to the image sensor or the memory.