Image Sensor Color Distortion Assessment via Conversion and Estimation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in objectively and quantitatively assessing color distortion, which affects image quality and is difficult to measure due to its subjective nature and dependence on environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A method of operating an assessment device that communicates with an image sensor, utilizing an input buffer and a processor to receive raw image data, generate conversion and estimation image data through color domain transformation and non-distorted image estimation, and assess color distortion based on these data sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color distortion assessment is performed subjectively based on human perception, then the assessment can reflect human visual characteristics, but the assessment becomes difficult to quantify and reproduce objectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test chart with specific linear patterns as an intermediary object between the image sensor and the assessment device. This test chart serves as a mediator that contains encoded color information, allowing the assessment device to objectively measure color distortion by analyzing the rendered patterns rather than relying on subjective human perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective human visual assessment with an automated computational assessment system. The assessment device uses algorithms to process images captured by the image sensor, automatically quantifying color distortion metrics without requiring human observers, thereby enabling objective and reproducible measurements.
2Reliability
If color distortion is increased to test sensor performance, then the assessment can evaluate sensor capabilities, but the image quality perceived by users decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test chart into multiple regions with different linear patterns (first linear patterns and second linear patterns) that have distinct color characteristics. This segmentation allows the assessment device to evaluate color distortion in different spatial regions independently, enabling comprehensive sensor performance assessment without requiring the entire image to have high distortion levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The test chart is designed with local variations in linear pattern characteristics, where different regions have different orientations, colors, and pattern densities. This allows the assessment device to target specific local areas for color distortion measurement, evaluating sensor performance in controlled regions while maintaining acceptable overall image quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex image processing techniques are used to correct color distortion, then image quality improves, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates test patterns directly into the captured image data itself, eliminating the need for separate reference images or complex pre-processing steps. The linear patterns are embedded within the image sensor's captured data, allowing color distortion assessment to be performed directly on the raw image without requiring additional test charts or complex setup procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of operating an assessment device which communicates with an image sensor and includes an input buffer and a processor, the method including receiving, by the input buffer, raw image data from the image sensor that is configured to capture a test chart, generating, by the processor, conversion image data based on color domain transformation of the raw image data, generating, by the processor, estimation image data by estimating a non-distorted image based on the conversion image data, and assessing, by the processor, color distortion of the image sensor based on the estimation image data and the conversion image data.