Image Sensor Module Compression via Reference Image Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing technologies face challenges in efficiently transmitting and processing multiple exposure images with varying exposure times, leading to increased data transmission and processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor module that selects a reference image based on a reference brightness value and generates packing data for other images, allowing for compression and reduced data transmission by utilizing the exposure time ratio between images, enabling efficient reconstruction of high-dynamic-range images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple exposure images are transmitted without compression, then image quality and dynamic range are preserved, but data transmission volume and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information from multiple exposure images by selecting a reference image and generating packing data that represents differences from the reference. This extraction approach transmits minimal data while preserving the ability to reconstruct high-quality HDR images, resolving the contradiction between maintaining image quality and reducing data transmission volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by encoding images in terms of exposure time ratios rather than absolute pixel values. By expressing packing data as multiplicative factors relative to a reference image, the system reduces data redundancy while maintaining the ability to reconstruct images with different exposure characteristics, thus preserving quality while reducing transmission volume.
2Reliability
If all multiple exposure images are processed and transmitted, then complete HDR information is available, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary HDR information by selecting one reference image and computing packing data that captures the essential differences from other exposure images. This extraction reduces processing complexity while maintaining complete HDR information, as the packing data contains all needed variations relative to the reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the multiple exposure images into a reference image and differential packing data. This segmentation separates the base information (reference image) from the variations (packing data), allowing efficient processing where the reference image is processed once and packing data is applied as needed, reducing overall processing complexity while preserving complete HDR information.
3Quantity of substance
If reference image selection is performed, then data compression is achieved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by selecting a reference image and computing packing data in advance before transmission. This preliminary processing reduces the data transmission volume significantly, as only compact packing data needs to be transmitted rather than full images. The additional processing steps are performed once during compression, enabling efficient transmission and reconstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor module includes an image sensor, the image sensor module being configured such that the image sensor outputs a plurality of images and the plurality of images having a plurality of exposure times different from each other, a reference image selector circuit outputting reference image selection information for selecting a reference image, from among the plurality of images, based on a reference brightness value, and an image compressor circuit outputting a compression image data including at least one packing data and the reference image, based on the reference image selection information. The at least one packing data respectively corresponds to at least one remaining image other than the reference image, from among the plurality of images, and is generated based on a ratio of an exposure time of a corresponding image to an exposure time of the reference image.