Image Signal Processor Binning and YUV Domain Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image signal processors face challenges in achieving improved performance while reducing power consumption, particularly in processing images from image sensors in devices like smartphones and digital cameras.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an image signal processor that performs a series of image processing operations, including binning and crop, Bayer domain processing, RGB domain processing, and YUV domain processing, to enhance image quality while minimizing power consumption by simplifying Bayer domain processing and performing certain operations in the YUV domain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional image signal processing is performed with complete Bayer domain processing, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing pipeline into distinct domains (Bayer domain and YUV domain), allowing selective processing. Specifically, the system performs binning and crop operations in the Bayer domain, then converts to YUV domain for subsequent processing steps, avoiding complete Bayer domain processing and reducing power consumption while maintaining image quality through domain-appropriate processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing domain parameter from traditional complete Bayer domain processing to a hybrid approach using YUV domain processing for certain operations. This parameter change (switching processing domains) enables reduced computational complexity and power consumption while maintaining image quality through domain-specific optimization
2Device complexity
If image processing operations are performed in Bayer domain, then color accuracy is maintained, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments processing operations by domain, performing only essential Bayer domain operations (binning and crop) while moving other processing to YUV domain. This segmentation reduces overall processing complexity while maintaining color accuracy through selective domain usage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces YUV domain as an intermediary processing stage between Bayer domain and final output. This intermediary domain allows complex processing operations to be performed with reduced computational complexity while preserving color information through the conversion process
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are image signal processing apparatuses and methods for operating the same. In an embodiment, the image signal processing apparatus is configured to receive, from an image sensor device, an input image. The apparatus is further configured to perform a binning and crop operation on the input image to generate a first image. The apparatus is further configured to perform a Bayer domain processing on the first image to generate a second image. The apparatus is further configured to perform RGB domain processing on the second image to generate a third image. The apparatus is further configured to perform YUV domain processing on the third image to generate an output image. The YUV domain processing comprises at least one of a spatial de-noising operation, a temporal de-noising operation, a motion compensation operation, a tone mapping operation, a detail enhance operation, and a sharpening operation.