Imaging Signal Code Conversion for Low-Noise Color Difference Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging systems face noise reduction challenges when imaging monochromatic scenes with gradation changes, as existing gray code conversion methods fail to effectively reduce the number of changing bits, leading to deteriorated noise reduction and image quality.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor integrated circuit with an adjacent color difference data generator and code converter that calculates differentials between adjacent pixels in a data row with different color information, converting the data into a format with fewer changing bits, using a binary-gray code converter to reduce noise and improve image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional code conversion methods are used for digital image data transmission, then the transmission can be performed, but the number of changing bits is not minimized, leading to increased noise energy and deteriorated image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise energyVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies gray code conversion instead of conventional binary code, fundamentally changing the parameter representation method. This parameter change reduces the number of bit transitions during transmission, thereby minimizing noise energy while maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of bit transitions (which generate noise) into a beneficial outcome by using gray code. The code conversion process transforms the transmission method to minimize changing bits, turning potential noise sources into a noise-reduction mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the number of changing bits is reduced through code conversion, then noise energy is minimized, but additional processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise energyVSAvoidcode conversion processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a code converter as an intermediary component between the image sensor and transmission interface. This mediator performs gray code conversion, reducing noise energy while managing the additional processing requirement through a dedicated hardware module

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional binary code is used for image data output, then the output process is simple, but through current and output load drive current increase, leading to higher power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoutput process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the code format parameter from binary to gray code at the output stage. This parameter change reduces the number of bit transitions, thereby reducing through current and output load drive current, which directly lowers power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20120008007A1Semiconductor integrated circuit, imaging system, and signal conversion method

Publication Date: 2012.01.12 PANASONIC SEMICON SOLUTIONS CO LTD

AI summary

An adjacent color difference data generator calculates a differential between adjacent data in a data row having different color information per pixel of the digital signal to thereby generate a first color difference data having a first code format. A code converter converts the first color difference data into a second color difference data having a second code format. The second code format is a code format where only a small number of bits change before and after the code conversion from the first code format. The number of changing bits in the switching between codes when, for example, an image monochromatic but having gradation change is imaged to reduce any noise generated when digital image data is outputted.