Image Pixel Correction with Overlapping Kernels and Two-Line Buffers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies struggle to effectively correct pixels associated with defective regions of an imager, leading to inaccuracies and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for pixel correction that involves identifying target pixels with defects, locating operating pixels with a common color, applying a kernel to overlapping regions of image data, calculating a weighted average of the operating pixels, and applying this average as a correction to the target pixel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing image processing technologies are used to correct defective pixels, then pixel correction is attempted, but the correction accuracy is insufficient leading to reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a kernel that selectively processes only the defective pixel region while preserving the quality of surrounding operating pixels. The kernel convolves image data locally around the defective pixel, applying correction only where needed based on the specific defect location, rather than uniformly processing the entire image. This localized approach maintains high correction accuracy for defective pixels while preserving the reliability and quality of the overall image.
2Reliability
If traditional pixel correction methods are used, then defective pixels can be corrected, but memory requirements increase requiring four-line buffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the necessary image data lines required for defective pixel correction. Instead of requiring four-line buffers as in traditional methods, the invention selectively extracts and processes only the current line and the previous line of image data, discarding or not storing unnecessary historical data. This extraction approach maintains reliable pixel correction capability while reducing memory requirements to just two-line buffers, effectively halving the memory burden.
3Reliability
If more memory is allocated for pixel correction, then correction reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by reducing memory allocation rather than increasing it. Instead of allocating four-line buffers to ensure correction reliability, the invention achieves reliable correction with only two-line buffers by using a streamlined kernel processing method. This inversion reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining correction reliability through efficient use of the reduced memory resources, processing only the essential data needed for accurate pixel correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for correcting image data includes receiving image data associated with an image captured by a photosensor array and determining a location of a target pixel in the photosensor array associated with a defect of the imager. First operating pixels are identified in a first region of the photosensor array that overlaps the location of the target pixel and second operating pixels are identified in a second region of the photosensor array that overlaps the location of the target pixel and a portion of the first region. A simulated pixel value is determined for the target pixel in response to a weighted average of the first operating pixels and the second operating pixels. The simulated pixel value is assigned to the target pixel in the image data.