Image Sensor Defective Pixel Correction with Saturation Level Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors often suffer from defective and low saturation pixels due to manufacturing variations and degradation over time, leading to inconsistent pixel values, especially in uniform lighting conditions, where defective pixels are not corrected effectively by existing techniques.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that includes an acquisition unit for obtaining image data, a defective pixel correction unit for correcting defective pixels based on position information, a low saturation pixel correction unit for correcting low saturation pixels using pre-calculated saturation levels, and a saturation level calculation unit for determining the saturation level of corrected defective pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing defective pixel correction techniques are used, then some defective pixels can be corrected, but low saturation pixels are not corrected effectively leading to inconsistent pixel values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of pixels into defective pixels and low saturation pixels before correction. By identifying and categorizing different types of problematic pixels in advance, the system can apply appropriate correction methods to each type, ensuring both defective pixels and low saturation pixels are handled effectively to achieve consistent pixel values across the image sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different correction strategies to different types of pixels based on their specific characteristics. Defective pixels are corrected using one method while low saturation pixels are corrected using another method. This localized approach ensures that each pixel type receives the most appropriate correction, improving overall pixel value consistency without compromising the correction of either pixel type.
2Reliability
If multiple correction processes are applied sequentially, then both defective pixels and low saturation pixels can be corrected, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel correction process into distinct segments: first correcting defective pixels, then correcting low saturation pixels in the corrected image data. This segmentation allows each correction process to be optimized independently and applied in a systematic sequence, making the complex multi-step correction process more manageable and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification and correction of defective pixels before addressing low saturation pixels. By handling the defective pixel correction first and using the corrected data as input for the second correction stage, the system establishes a clear processing sequence that reduces overall complexity compared to simultaneous multi-parameter correction.
3Measurement precision
If defective pixels are corrected first, then the basis for subsequent low saturation pixel correction is improved, but the correction order requires careful sequencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs defective pixel correction as a preliminary step before low saturation pixel correction. This preliminary action ensures that the image data is cleaned of obvious defects first, providing a more accurate foundation for the subsequent low saturation pixel correction. The systematic sequencing from defective pixel correction to low saturation pixel correction simplifies the overall process logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the correction process into two distinct phases with a clear sequential relationship. The first phase corrects defective pixels, and the second phase corrects low saturation pixels using the already-corrected data. This segmentation with defined sequencing makes the complex correction process easier to implement and maintain.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus processes noise from a defective pixel in image data generated by an image sensor including plural pixels, and plural read-out circuits that read out the signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition unit that obtains the image data and position information of the defective pixel; a defective pixel correction unit that corrects the signal from the defective pixel included in the image data, based on the position information; a low saturation pixel correction unit that corrects a signal from a low saturation pixel included in the image data where the signal from the defective pixel has been corrected, the low saturation pixel having a saturation level lower than the other pixels, based on a preliminarily calculated saturation level of the plural pixels; and a saturation level calculation unit that calculates the saturation level of the defective pixel corrected by the defective pixel correction unit.