Image Processor Detecting Sensor Mode via Embedded Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processors face delays and distortion due to the need to acquire additional time to recognize the operation mode of image sensors, which is not directly accessible, leading to inefficiencies in image processing.
Innovation Solution
The image processor is designed to directly detect the operation mode of the image sensor using input data, including image and side-band data, allowing it to process images accordingly without relying on other devices, thereby reducing delay time and preventing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image processor acquires operation mode information from the image sensor through additional communication, then the processor can synchronize with the sensor operation mode, but the delay time increases and image distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by embedding operation mode information directly within the image data stream itself, rather than requiring separate communication channels. The image sensor encodes operation mode data (such as exposure time, gain settings, and shooting mode) into metadata that travels with the image data, allowing the image processor to extract and utilize this information simultaneously with image processing, thereby eliminating additional acquisition time while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Reliability
If the image processor depends on the image sensor for operation mode information, then the system can operate cooperatively, but the processor cannot operate independently and additional communication time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the image processor to autonomously extract operation mode information directly from the incoming image data stream without requiring active communication or control signals from the image sensor. The processor independently parses the embedded metadata within the image data to determine exposure parameters, gain settings, and shooting modes, thereby achieving both coordinated operation and independent functionality simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If the image processor uses a single processing path for all operation modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the processing speed and accuracy for specific modes (especially high-speed modes) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a configurable, multi-path processing architecture where the selection and configuration of processing paths is dynamically determined by the operation mode information extracted from the image data. The system includes multiple processing paths optimized for different scenarios (high-speed mode path, low-speed mode path, video mode path, etc.), and the controller selectively activates and configures the appropriate path based on real-time mode detection, thereby achieving both structural simplicity and high processing efficiency for specific modes.
4Device complexity
If the image processor processes all image data with the same configuration, then the processing is simplified, but the image quality and processing accuracy for different operation modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different processing configurations and parameters to different processing paths based on the specific operation mode detected. Each processing path is optimized with mode-specific settings such as exposure time compensation, gain adjustment, noise reduction parameters, and color correction matrices tailored to the particular shooting conditions. This allows the system to maintain high processing accuracy for each specific mode while keeping the overall system design modular and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Image processor circuitry includes a memory storing a program of instructions, and processing circuitry configured to execute the program of instructions to receive input data from an image sensor and detect an operation mode of the image sensor based on the input data, provide configuration data determined in association with the operation mode of the image sensor, and process image data in the input data in accordance with the operation mode and the configuration data.