Image Sensor Receiver Architecture for Automatic Image Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems with multiple image sensors require multiple receivers in the image processor, increasing complexity and cost, and lack efficient methods for selecting and transmitting image data based on diverse capture characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a single image sensor array and external image sensor arrays, featuring a receiver, image selection circuit, and transmitter, allowing for automatic image switching and processing based on various selection criteria, such as noise, dynamic range, and facial recognition, using a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used to capture images with multiple spectra and subjects, then image capture versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple receivers in the image processor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal receiver architecture where a single receiver in the image processor can handle image data from multiple image sensors with different capture characteristics (visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, different resolutions). This multi-functional receiver eliminates the need for dedicated receivers for each sensor type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the versatility to process diverse image data streams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple image data streams from different sensors into a single receiver input channel. By combining the reception function for all sensor types into one receiver, the system reduces the total number of receivers required, simplifying the image processor architecture while preserving the ability to capture and process multiple spectra and subjects simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receivers are implemented in the image processor to handle data from multiple image sensors, then image data reception capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal receiver design that can process image data from multiple sensor types (visible spectrum sensors, infrared sensors, sensors with different resolutions) through a single reception interface. This multi-functional approach reduces the bill of materials by eliminating redundant receiver components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive data reception capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single receiver architecture that effectively 'copies' or replicates the reception capability across multiple sensor inputs without requiring physical duplication of receiver hardware. This virtual replication through software or logic control achieves the same functional result as multiple physical receivers would provide, but at a lower manufacturing cost
3Reliability
If image data from multiple sensors with different capture characteristics is processed simultaneously, then image quality for various conditions is improved, but data transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data transmission interfaces into a single unified output interface. By combining the data streams from the receiver (which handles multiple sensor inputs) into one transmitter channel, the system simplifies the transmission architecture while preserving the ability to deliver high-quality image data from various sensors simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is designed as a universal output interface that can handle and transmit image data from multiple sensor types with different capture characteristics. This multi-functional transmitter reduces transmission complexity by providing a single standardized output interface, eliminating the need for multiple specialized transmission channels while maintaining the ability to deliver high-quality data from all sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image sensor with one or more image receivers for image switching, and an imaging system and method therefor. The image sensor includes an image sensor array to generate first image data for a first image; a receiver to receive, into the image sensor, second image data for a second image; an image selection circuit coupled to the image sensor array and the receiver to receive the first image data and the second image data and select one of the first image data and the second image data according to one or more image selection criteria and at least one of the first image data and the second image data; and a transmitter coupled to the image selection circuit to transmit the selected one of the first image data and the second image data from the image sensor.