Image Processing Speckle Detection Block Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing techniques consume high power for per-pixel speckle detection and correction, which is costly in terms of energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Determining blocks of speckle-free regions in a first image and storing this information for processing subsequent images, thereby reducing the need for despeckling operations in areas identified as speckle-free.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If per-pixel speckle detection and correction is performed on all pixels, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The image is divided into multiple blocks, and speckle detection is performed at the block level rather than individual pixel level. The processor determines speckle-free blocks by comparing pixel values within each block, and skips detailed pixel-level processing for these blocks, thereby reducing computational power consumption while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processor performs preliminary block-level speckle detection before detailed pixel-level correction. By first identifying speckle-free blocks through preliminary comparison operations, the system avoids unnecessary detailed processing in clean areas, reducing overall power consumption while ensuring quality correction where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If block-level speckle detection is used instead of per-pixel detection, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidspeckle detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different processing quality levels to different regions of the image. For blocks identified as speckle-free through preliminary detection, minimal processing is applied. For blocks containing speckles, full pixel-level detailed correction is performed. This local differentiation maintains detection accuracy for speckle-containing regions while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The processor performs partial speckle detection at the block level rather than complete per-pixel detection for all blocks. By applying detection actions only where necessary (in blocks potentially containing speckles) and skipping actions in clearly speckle-free blocks, the system reduces power consumption while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy through targeted processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10616451B2Image processing devices and methods for operating the same

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method includes determining blocks of speckle-free regions in a first image; storing information about the blocks in a memory; and processing at least one second image based on the stored information.