Image Sensor Receiver Switching for Multi-Sensor Image Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems with multiple image sensor arrays require multiple receivers in the image processor, increasing complexity and cost, and lack efficient mechanisms for selecting and transmitting image data based on diverse image capture characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a single image sensor array and external image sensor arrays, featuring a receiver and image selection circuit that selects and transmits image data based on image selection criteria, such as noise, dynamic range, and facial recognition, using a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used to capture images with different characteristics, then image quality and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple receivers in the image processor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the receiver function from the image processor and places it in a separate image sensor module. This allows multiple image sensors to share a single receiver in the image processor, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to process multiple image types with different characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal receiver that can handle multiple types of image data from different image sensor arrays. This single receiver replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized receivers, achieving multi-functionality without increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receivers are implemented in the image processor to handle different image sensors, then all image data can be processed, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple receiver functions into a single receiver unit. Instead of implementing separate receivers for each image sensor type in the image processor, one unified receiver handles all image data streams, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while preserving full processing capability
3Measurement precision
If image selection is performed within the image processor, then optimal images can be selected based on criteria, but the processor complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image selection in the image sensor module before data reaches the image processor. The selection circuit pre-filters image data based on selection criteria, so the image processor only receives already-selected optimal images, reducing processing time and maintaining selection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image sensor with one or more image receivers for image switching, and an imaging system and method therefor. The image sensor includes an image sensor array to generate first image data for a first image; a receiver to receive, into the image sensor, second image data for a second image; an image selection circuit coupled to the image sensor array and the receiver to receive the first image data and the second image data and select one of the first image data and the second image data according to one or more image selection criteria and at least one of the first image data and the second image data; and a transmitter coupled to the image selection circuit to transmit the selected one of the first image data and the second image data from the image sensor.