Image Signal Processor Color Processing Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital image processing systems require different algorithms for generating visual images and analytic data, and they struggle to adapt to emerging sensor formats and filter topologies, necessitating a scalable and flexible solution for current and future image sensors and filters.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a matrix processing circuit, post processing circuit, and split visual and analytics circuit to generate luminance, chrominance, and saturation components from image sensor data, enabling color conversion and data generation for both visual and analytic purposes, with a heterogeneous sensor architecture that supports various electromagnetic wave types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional de-mosaicing algorithms are used for a given CFA format, then processing accuracy for that specific format is improved, but adaptability to emerging sensor formats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal color processing system that can handle multiple CFA formats (Bayer, RCCC, and other emerging formats) through a single flexible architecture. The system uses configurable matrix processing circuits that can be adapted to different sensor topologies without requiring separate dedicated algorithms for each format, thereby achieving both processing accuracy and format adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs configurable matrix processing circuits where processing parameters and matrix coefficients can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific CFA format being processed. This allows the same hardware architecture to maintain high processing accuracy across different sensor formats by changing operational parameters rather than requiring hardware redesign
2Measurement precision
If separate algorithms are used for visual image generation and analytic data generation, then output quality for each purpose is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color processing system into functionally independent modules: a first matrix processing circuit for visual image generation and a second matrix processing circuit for analytic data generation. Each circuit can be optimized for its specific purpose while sharing common input components, achieving high output quality for both visual and analytic outputs without requiring completely separate processing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the color processing functions into a unified architecture where both visual and analytic data generation share common matrix processing circuits and color conversion components. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to produce high-quality outputs for both purposes through coordinated processing
3Productivity
If a fixed color processing algorithm is used, then processing speed is improved, but adaptability to heterogeneous sensor architectures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic color processing where the matrix processing circuits can adapt their operation based on the input sensor format. The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters, matrix coefficients, and circuit configuration to match the specific CFA format being processed, enabling both high processing speed and adaptability to heterogeneous sensor architectures
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
This approach allows for efficient color processing and data generation across different image sensor formats, enhancing visual quality and providing adaptable solutions for emerging sensor technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The mosaic of color filters are configured to filter the light passing through the mosaic of filters, and thus received by the image sensor, by wavelength
Implementation Method 2
Each of the pixel sensors is configured to receive the electromagnetic waves after being filtered by the filter array and convert the received electromagnetic waves into electrical signals based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves at each pixel sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image signal processor includes a first matrix processing circuit, a post processing circuit, a second matrix processing circuit, and a split visual and analytics circuit. The first matrix processing circuit is configured to receive a plurality of component images generated based on an image captured by an image sensor and generate a plurality of first matrix outputs based on the plurality of component images. The post processing circuit is configured to perform color conversion on the plurality of first matrix outputs to generate a first luminance component of the image and a chrominance component of the image. The second matrix processing circuit is configured to perform color conversion on the plurality of first matrix outputs to generate a second luminance component of the image and a saturation component of the image. The split visual and analytics circuit is configured to generate visual and analytic data of the image.