Multi-Circuit Defective Pixel Correction for High-Resolution Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of defective pixels in high-resolution image sensors, such as those used in 4K and 8K standards, poses a challenge due to limited memory for storing defective pixel information and the time-consuming process of detecting these pixels, which can lead to uncomfortable processing times for users.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with multiple processing circuits that perform defective pixel detection on different regions of the image sensor, sharing and combining information to correct images efficiently, thereby reducing overall processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If defective pixel detection is performed on all pixels in high-resolution sensors, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensor into multiple regions and assigns different processing circuits to detect defective pixels in different regions. This segmentation allows parallel processing of defective pixel detection across multiple circuits simultaneously, reducing the total processing time while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage for all pixels in high-resolution sensors
2Productivity
If multiple processing circuits are used for parallel defective pixel detection, then processing time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor into multiple regions and assigns dedicated processing circuits to each region. This segmentation enables parallel defective pixel detection across multiple circuits, improving productivity while managing complexity through structured regional division and specialized circuit assignment
Solution Approach 2:
Each processing circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting defective pixels in its assigned region, storing the detection results in memory, and providing correction information for image processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high productivity
3Measurement precision
If memory stores defective pixel information for entire region, then correction accuracy is improved, but memory capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor into multiple regions, with each processing circuit storing defective pixel information only for its assigned region. This segmentation reduces the memory capacity required in each circuit compared to storing information for the entire sensor, while collectively all circuits maintain comprehensive defective pixel information for accurate correction across the full image
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor which has a plurality of pixels; and a plurality of processing circuits which correct images of different frames output from the image sensor. Each processing circuit includes: a first detection circuit which performs defective pixel detection on a portion of a region of the plurality of pixels which is different from portions of the region on which the other processing circuits perform defective pixel detection; and a memory which stores information on defective pixels for the entire region obtained by combining information on defective pixels detected by the first detection circuit and information on defective pixels obtained by the other processing circuits. Further, each processing circuit corrects the image of each frame output from the image sensor, using the information on defective pixels for the entire region stored in the memory.