Image Processor Signal Processing Circuit Offset Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing offset and invisible light components from visible and invisible light image data, which affects the accuracy and quality of image processing.
Innovation Solution
An image processor is designed with a signal processing circuit, offset component removal circuit, invisible component removal circuit, and signal setting circuit to perform signal processing, remove offset components, and isolate visible light components from invisible light components, thereby generating high-quality image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offset component removal and invisible component removal are performed simultaneously using separate circuits, then image processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the offset component removal circuit and invisible component removal circuit into a single integrated circuit. This circuit performs both functions sequentially using a single memory resource, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining processing accuracy. The unified design eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between offset component removal and invisible component removal operations in time-division multiplexing fashion. The circuit switches between these two functions using control signals that enable one operation during a first period and the other during a second period, allowing both processing tasks to be performed without requiring simultaneous hardware resources.
2Reliability
If separate memory resources are allocated for offset component removal and invisible component removal, then processing reliability is improved, but memory usage and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the memory resource universal by enabling it to serve both offset component removal and invisible component removal functions. The same memory unit is dynamically allocated to different operations based on the current processing phase, controlled by enable signals that switch the memory's function between the two processing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the memory resources for offset component removal and invisible component removal into a single shared memory unit. This consolidation reduces total memory usage while maintaining processing reliability through proper timing control and signal management that prevents data conflicts between the two operations.
3Measurement precision
If signal processing is performed on both visible and invisible light components simultaneously, then image data quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to alternate between processing visible light components and invisible light components in sequential time slots. During a first period, the circuit processes offset removal for visible light; during a second period, it processes invisible light component removal. This time-division approach maintains comprehensive processing quality while reducing total processing time compared to sequential handling of all components.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processor includes a memory, a signal processing circuit to process a visible light component including an invisible light component and an invisible light component from an image sensor, a signal setting circuit to set a first enable signal valid in a first period based on execution of signal processing, and set a second enable signal valid after the first period elapses, an offset component removal circuit to remove an offset component from the visible light component and the invisible light component in a period in which the first enable signal is valid while storing data in process in the memory, and an invisible component removal circuit to remove the invisible light component from the visible light component, to output image data of a visible light component in a period in which the second enable signal is valid while storing data in process in the memory.