Image Sensor Interface Error Correction for Real-Time Pixel Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher transmission capacity between image sensors and image processing LSIs, driven by improved picture quality and frame rates, is hindered by existing interface standards that incorporate redundant functions, leading to increased circuit area, power consumption, and difficulties in maintaining real-time data transmission due to error correction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An image outputting apparatus that calculates an error correction code using pixel data and divides it across multiple transmission lines, allowing for efficient transmission and error correction without the need for redundant circuitry, thereby simplifying the interface and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If general-purpose interface standards (PCI-Express, Serial ATA, MIPI) are adopted for image sensor interfaces, then transmission capacity is improved, but circuit area and power consumption increase due to redundant functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential error correction functionality needed for image data transmission, removing redundant functions present in general-purpose interface standards. This is achieved by implementing a dedicated error correction code generation unit that works specifically for image pixel data, eliminating unnecessary control logic, retransmission protocols, and other overhead functions that increase power consumption in standards like PCI-Express and MIPI.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the error correction mechanism specifically to the characteristics of image data transmission. The error correction code generation is optimized for the specific requirements of pixel data, using appropriate code rates and algorithms suited to image characteristics rather than applying generic error correction designed for general data streams. This localized optimization reduces computational complexity and power consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If re-sending mechanisms are implemented for error correction, then transmission reliability is improved, but real-time property is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and attaching error correction codes to image pixel data before transmission. The error correction code generation unit computes the necessary correction data and combines it with the pixel data in advance, creating a self-contained data package that can be transmitted without requiring subsequent retransmission for error correction. This preliminary preparation ensures that reliability is built into the transmitted data structure itself, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-sending operations.
3Productivity
If clock frequency is improved to increase transmission capacity, then data rate is improved, but sampling timing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the error correction code rate and block size parameters to match the specific transmission conditions and clock frequencies used. By adjusting these parameters, the system can accommodate higher clock frequencies while maintaining adequate error correction capability. The error correction scheme is configured with flexible code rates that can be tuned to achieve the desired balance between transmission capacity and timing precision for the given operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an image outputting apparatus, including, an image pickup section, an error correction code calculation section adapted to calculate an error correction code using pixel data, which configure an image obtained by image pickup by the image pickup section, as an information word, and an outputting section adapted to output coded data, which are data of a codeword obtained by adding the error correction code to the pixel data, to an image processing apparatus provided in an apparatus in which the image outputting apparatus is provided.