Image Sensor Signal Correction via Slope Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing technologies fail to effectively remove intricate signal irregularities caused by the manufacturing process of imaging elements with large element sizes, particularly due to segment exposure variations, which result in signal level differences and slope variations in image data.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device comprising an image acquisition unit, a slope generation unit, and a slope correction unit that generates and applies slope correction data to smooth out signal irregularities by dividing image regions into blocks, interpolating correction information, and correcting signal level differences and slope variations, while also including a per-region storage and removal unit to address color shading issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional uniform correction values are applied to pixel directions, then simple signal level differences can be corrected, but intricate signal irregularities varying in specific pixel directions cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating correction values that vary according to the spatial position of pixels. Instead of using uniform correction values across the entire image, the system calculates position-dependent correction values that locally adapt to the specific signal irregularities present in different regions and directions of the imaging element, thereby achieving accurate correction of intricate signal variations.
2Productivity
If segment exposure is used to manufacture large imaging elements, then production capability is improved, but signal irregularity is caused in the generated image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the signal irregularities caused by segment exposure by dividing the imaging element into multiple regions corresponding to the segment exposure areas. Correction values are generated for each region based on its specific characteristics and position, allowing the system to compensate for the discontinuities and variations introduced by the segmented manufacturing process while maintaining the productivity benefits of segment exposure.
3Area of stationary object
If the imaging element size is increased, then imaging capability is improved, but photolithography process limitations cause property variation in different regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the property variations in large imaging elements by generating position-dependent correction values that account for the specific characteristics of each region. The correction system locally adapts to the property variations caused by photolithography limitations, allowing the imaging element to maintain large size for improved imaging capability while correcting the regional property differences through spatially varying correction factors.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device of the present application includes an image acquisition unit, a slope generation unit, and a slope correction unit. The image acquisition unit takes in an image data generated by an imaging element. The slope generation unit generates a slope correction data correcting, in a slope-shape, a signal irregularity caused in the image data due to a manufacturing process of the imaging element. The slope correction unit corrects the signal irregularity within the image data using the slope correction data.