Image Processing System Region-Specific Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems cannot obtain complete and sufficient information from pixel arrays due to uniform gain control across all pixels, leading to underexposure or overexposure in non-uniformly illuminated areas.
Innovation Solution
The image processing system segments the pixel array into non-overlapping regions, allowing each region to generate unique background determination signals and gain control signals, and adjusts shutter signal pulse widths accordingly to optimize exposure based on local illumination levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform gain control is applied to all pixel units, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and information completeness deteriorate due to underexposure or overexposure in non-uniformly illuminated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple non-overlapping regions, with each region having its own AGC unit that independently generates gain control signals based on local background illumination levels. This segmentation allows different gain values to be applied to different regions, resolving the contradiction between simple uniform control and precise local control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each region within the pixel array is assigned customized gain control parameters based on its specific illumination conditions. The AGC units adjust gain locally rather than applying a global uniform gain, ensuring optimal exposure for each region while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Measurement precision
If separate AGC units are assigned to each region, then measurement precision and information completeness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple non-overlapping regions, with each region having its own AGC unit that independently generates gain control signals based on local background illumination levels. This segmentation allows different gain values to be applied to different regions, resolving the contradiction between simple uniform control and precise local control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each AGC unit is designed with identical functional capabilities to handle background determination and gain control for its respective region. This universal design allows the system to scale to multiple regions while maintaining consistent performance characteristics and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Device complexity
If the same shutter signal is used for all regions, then device complexity is reduced, but information completeness deteriorates because regions with different illumination levels cannot be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple non-overlapping regions, with each region having its own AGC unit that independently generates gain control signals based on local background illumination levels. This segmentation allows different gain values to be applied to different regions, resolving the contradiction between simple uniform control and precise local control.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter control system transitions from a static uniform approach to a dynamic region-specific approach. The processor generates different shutter signals for different regions based on their respective gain control signals, allowing each region to have optimized exposure timing that adapts to local illumination conditions.
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 ensures better information capture from non-uniformly illuminated pixel arrays by tailoring gain and exposure settings to specific regions, preventing under or overexposure and enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the pixel array 11 generates background determination signals S-VRST and S-VRSTD... the pixel array 11 generates an image signal according to an image of the object
Implementation Method 2
the enable signal TAVG_EN opens the PMOS switch 117, and the capacitor 111 discharges, until the voltage across the capacitor 111 drops a predetermined level V_threshold
Implementation Method 3
the pixel array 11 is exposed by light emitted from a light source 1 and reflected by an object
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an image processing method and an image processing system adopting the same. The method includes the steps of: (a) obtaining a pixel array representing an image; (b) segmenting the pixel array into two or more non-overlapping regions; (c) identifying a capacitor discharging rate of each of the regions; (d) generating a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal when a voltage level dropping of a capacitor exceeds a predetermined threshold; and (e) applying exposure parameters to the regions according to the capacitor discharging rate of the regions, respectively, wherein the exposure parameter applied to one of the regions is different from the exposure parameter applied to at least another one of the regions.