Image Sensor Movement for Defective Pixel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems struggle to effectively detect defective physical pixels in image sensors, particularly when the sensor moves relative to the subject, leading to inconsistencies in pixel values.
Innovation Solution
A detection device and method that moves the image sensor to adjust pixel positions before and after movement, comparing pixel values to identify defective pixels based on differences, and corrects pixel values using adjacent pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image sensor moves relative to the subject to capture multiple images, then image quality can be improved through pixel comparison, but pixel value consistency deteriorates due to movement-induced misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and storing the movement amount between the image sensor and subject before performing pixel value comparison. This allows the system to pre-compensate for movement effects when comparing pixels across multiple images, maintaining pixel value consistency despite sensor movement. The movement amount calculation is performed in advance to guide the subsequent pixel matching process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured to detect defective pixels, then detection accuracy improves, but processing time increases due to multiple imaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection process into distinct stages: capturing multiple images with the image sensor, calculating movement amounts between images, comparing pixel values based on calculated movements, and identifying defective pixels. This segmented approach allows for efficient processing by handling each stage independently and can be implemented to process images in parallel where possible, reducing overall detection time while maintaining high accuracy.
3Device complexity
If pixel values are compared directly without considering sensor movement, then processing is simplified, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to movement-induced pixel mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically aligning the image sensor with the subject through computational methods. Instead of mechanically ensuring perfect alignment, the system calculates the movement amount between images and uses this information to virtually align pixels during comparison. This substitution of mechanical alignment with computational correction simplifies the physical system while maintaining or improving detection accuracy.
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
Accurately detects and corrects defective pixels, improving image quality by enhancing pixel alignment and consistency across multiple images.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor having a plurality of physical pixels arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A processor of a detection device is configured to, in physical pixel disposition before and after movement of an image sensor having a plurality of physical pixels arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, move the image sensor to a location at which a first physical pixel after movement to a location adjacent to a second physical pixel different from the first physical pixel before movement is positioned, cause the image sensor to perform imaging before and after movement, and detect a defective physical pixel from the plurality of physical pixels based on a degree of difference in pixel values between image pixels corresponding to the second physical pixel before movement and the first physical pixel after movement, respectively, among a plurality of image pixels included in each of a plurality of images obtained by being captured by the image sensor.