Image Signal Processor Shared Circuit for Bayer and Tetra Format Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image signal processors that only support the bayer format face issues with processing tetra format data, leading to information loss and resolution degradation due to the need for remosaic computation to convert pixel arrangements, which is not feasible in low light environments.
Innovation Solution
An image signal processor with a shared circuit and multiple algorithmic circuits that can process image data in different formats without format conversion, using specific algorithms for bayer and tetra formats based on the shooting environment, as determined by a mode deciding module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remosaic computation is used to convert tetra format image data to bayer format, then the image signal processor can process tetra format data, but information loss and resolution degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The image signal processor is designed with a shared circuit that can process multiple image formats (bayer and tetra) directly without requiring format conversion. The processor includes separate processing paths that natively support both formats, eliminating the need for remosaic computation and preserving image quality while maintaining format versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The processor is divided into separate processing circuits for different formats (first processing circuit for bayer format, second processing circuit for tetra format), with a shared circuit that receives input and routes to the appropriate processing path. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific format without requiring conversion, thus avoiding information loss
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware is configured for each format, then processing capability for each format is optimized, but chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared circuit is designed to perform processing operations for both bayer and tetra formats, making it a multi-functional component. By implementing format-specific processing logic within the shared circuit rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware for each format, the design achieves full format processing capability while minimizing chip area
Solution Approach 2:
The processor merges the common processing functions into a single shared circuit that handles both formats, while only the format-specific demosaicing operations are separated into dedicated circuits. This combining approach reduces redundancy and minimizes the overall chip size while maintaining comprehensive format support
Data Source
AI summary
An image signal processor includes a shared circuit, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The shared circuit processes input image data. The first circuit provides a first algorithm for processing the input image data and is used by the shared circuit to process the input image data at a first operation mode in a first shooting environment. The second circuit provides a second algorithm for processing the input image data and is used by the shared circuit to process the input image data at a second operation mode different from the first operation mode in a second shooting environment different from the first shooting environment.