Image Processing Circuit Segmentation for Contrast and Noise Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods struggle to balance speed and customizability, particularly in applications like autonomous driving where quick contrast adjustment is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes fixed function circuitry for determining and interpolating image characteristics, while employing a programmable processor for spatial filtering, allowing for both efficient processing and customizable contrast adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customisable software is used to perform contrast stretching, then adaptability to different imaging applications is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing system is segmented into two distinct parts: fixed function circuitry for fast, deterministic operations and a programmable processor for customisable operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the fixed circuitry handling time-critical tasks and the programmable processor handling adaptive tasks, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and customisability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed function circuitry acts as an intermediary between the input image data and the final processed output. It performs preliminary processing operations that can be executed deterministically at high speed, preparing the data for subsequent customisable processing by the programmable processor. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve both fast processing and adaptability.
2Speed
If fixed function circuitry is used for image processing, then processing speed is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processing pipeline is segmented such that fixed function circuitry handles only the operations that can be performed deterministically at high speed, while the programmable processor handles the customisable contrast stretching operations. This segmentation allows the fixed circuitry to maintain its speed advantage for critical path operations while the programmable processor provides the necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed function circuitry performs partial processing actions that are sufficient for fast, deterministic operations, while the programmable processor completes the remaining customisable actions. This partial action approach allows the fixed circuitry to operate at full speed for its designated tasks without compromising the overall system's adaptability.
3Illumination intensity
If contrast adjustment is applied to flat, dark regions, then image contrast is improved, but noise prominence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different contrast adjustment strategies to different regions of the image based on their local characteristics. By analyzing the local contrast and lighting conditions, the programmable processor selectively applies contrast stretching only where appropriate, avoiding the amplification of noise in flat, dark regions while improving contrast in regions where it is beneficial. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction between improving contrast and reducing noise prominence.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for processing an image comprising image data. The image data comprises pixel intensity values, said pixel intensity values being associated with respective pixel locations. For a plurality of zones of the image, based on a plurality of pixel intensity values in the respective zone of the image, a value of a characteristic pertaining to the plurality of pixel intensity values, is determined. At least a spatial filtering process is performed on data representative of the values of the characteristic for the plurality of zones, to obtain filtered values of an image characteristic at respective locations. The filtered values are interpolated from to determine a local value of the image characteristic at a said pixel location. The determining and/or the interpolating is performed using fixed function circuitry. The spatial filtering process is performed using a programmable processor.