Image Sensor Noise Reduction via Multi-Directional 1D Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in reducing noise while maintaining high image quality, especially in low illumination environments where pixel size is reduced and noise occurs.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor employs a noise reduction logic that performs continuous one-dimensional filtering in multiple directions using a one-dimensional Gaussian filter set, effectively reducing noise in both horizontal and vertical directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel size is reduced to increase resolution, then image resolution is improved, but noise increases in low illumination environments
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction process is segmented into multiple independent one-dimensional filtering operations applied sequentially in different directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal). Each filtering stage processes the image data independently along its specific direction, allowing noise reduction to be achieved through cumulative effect of multiple directional filters rather than a single complex filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies filtering operations across multiple dimensional directions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions) rather than relying on a single two-dimensional filter. By extending the filtering approach to multiple directional dimensions, the patent achieves more effective noise reduction while preserving image resolution and detail information.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex noise reduction processing is applied to reduce noise, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex noise reduction task is divided into multiple simple one-dimensional filtering stages, each processing in a single direction. This segmentation allows each stage to use computationally efficient algorithms rather than requiring complex two-dimensional or multi-dimensional filters, thereby reducing overall power consumption while achieving effective noise reduction through the cumulative effect of multiple simple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous one-dimensional filtering operations that process image data in a sequential, continuous manner through multiple directional passes. This continuous processing approach maintains image quality improvement while optimizing power efficiency by using simple, repeatable filtering operations rather than requiring computationally intensive intermittent processing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If one-dimensional filtering is performed in multiple directions, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-directional filtering process is segmented into distinct sequential stages, with each stage handling a specific direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal). This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the multi-directional filtering task into multiple simple one-dimensional operations that can be implemented using basic filtering logic rather than requiring complex multi-dimensional filter algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses filtering complexity by transitioning from complex two-dimensional filtering to multiple simpler one-dimensional filtering operations applied in different directions. This dimensional decomposition reduces the computational and structural complexity of each individual filtering operation while achieving comprehensive noise reduction through the combination of multiple directional filters.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the image sensor to maintain high image quality with reduced noise, even in low illumination conditions, while operating with low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array configured to convert a received optical signal into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor including an image signal processor and an operating method of the image sensor are provided. An image sensor may include a pixel array configured to convert a received optical signal into electrical signals, a readout circuit configured to analog-digital convert the electrical signals to generate image data, and an image signal processor configured to perform one-dimensional filtering in each of a first direction and a second direction on the image data to remove noise of the image data, the second direction being different than the first direction.