Image Signal Processor Mode Switching for Scaling Quality Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image signal processors face challenges in managing increasing power consumption and data bandwidth due to high-pixel density in image sensors, leading to potential image quality loss during scaling processes.
Innovation Solution
The image signal processor employs a dual-mode operation, prioritizing either image quality or power consumption by extracting image quality loss information and adjusting processing modes to minimize degradation, using decomposition and recomposition circuits to adaptively manage data and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image processing is performed on high-pixel density raw image data, then image quality can be maintained, but power consumption and data bandwidth increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing workflow into two distinct modes: a first mode that processes full-resolution raw image data to generate high-quality output images, and a second mode that processes down-scaled versions of the raw image data to generate lower-resolution output images. This segmentation allows the system to divide the processing burden and select appropriate processing intensity based on quality requirements, thereby reducing power consumption when full image quality is not necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two operation modes based on quality requirements. The controller dynamically selects between the first mode (full processing) and the second mode (reduced processing) depending on whether high image quality or lower power consumption is the priority. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize the balance between image quality and power consumption in real-time based on application needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If image processing is performed on high-pixel density raw image data, then image quality can be maintained, but data bandwidth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing workflow into two distinct modes: a first mode that processes full-resolution raw image data to generate high-quality output images, and a second mode that processes down-scaled versions of the raw image data to generate lower-resolution output images. This segmentation allows the system to divide the processing burden and select appropriate processing intensity based on quality requirements, thereby reducing data bandwidth requirements when full image quality is not necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two operation modes based on quality requirements. The controller dynamically selects between the first mode (full processing) and the second mode (reduced processing) depending on whether high image quality or lower power consumption is the priority. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize the balance between image quality and data bandwidth in real-time based on application needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If down-scaling is applied to reduce data amount, then power consumption and bandwidth decrease, but image quality degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by performing specific image processing operations (such as noise reduction, sharpening, or color correction) selectively on the down-scaled image data before final output. This allows the system to maintain acceptable image quality in critical areas while keeping overall processing intensity reduced, thereby preserving image quality without fully recovering the power consumption and bandwidth of full-resolution processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image signal processor includes a down-scaling circuit that generates a first image signal by down-scaling an input image signal, an image processing engine including a first recomposition circuit that generates a target image signal based on the first image signal, a first up-scaling circuit that generates a third image signal based on a second image signal generated by the image processing engine, a second recomposition circuit that generates an output image signal based on the third image signal, a second up-scaling circuit that generates a fourth image signal by up-scaling the first image signal, and a correction information generation circuit that generates an image information signal by extracting, from the input image signal and the fourth image signal, information about an image quality loss of the first image signal, and transmits the image information signal to the first or the second recomposition circuit depending on a mode.