Multi-Sensor Camera Image Processing with Bayer Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network cameras face challenges in providing both full and low image resolution with high image distortion when producing low resolution images from Bayer arrays, especially when skipping or binning rows and columns, which is not as effective as demosaicing and interpolation processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating full resolution images in Bayer array format, interpolating low resolution images without demosaicing during readout by pre-processors, storing both in buffer memories, and demosaicing them later to produce high-quality low resolution images, with an image processor that includes pre-processors for each sensor, a shared post-processor, and a network interface for transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If low resolution images are produced by skipping or binning rows and columns in Bayer arrays, then processing speed is improved, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary interpolation to create a low-resolution Bayer array from the full-resolution Bayer array before demosaicing. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain high processing speed while reducing image distortion, as the interpolation is performed in advance during the readout process rather than after image capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct stages: full-resolution Bayer array readout, interpolation to create low-resolution Bayer array, demosaicing, and final image processing. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, maintaining processing speed while improving image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional demosaicing and interpolation steps are performed sequentially, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the interpolation step during the readout process itself, before the demosaicing step. This preliminary action reduces the overall processing time by overlapping operations that would traditionally be performed sequentially, while maintaining high image quality through the use of advanced interpolation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous processing by performing interpolation during the readout operation, ensuring that no time is lost between steps. The system continuously processes images through the pipeline without idle periods, improving throughput while maintaining quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If full resolution Bayer arrays are processed through complete demosaicing pipeline, then image quality is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing pipeline to handle full-resolution and low-resolution images differently. Full-resolution Bayer arrays undergo complete demosaicing for high image quality, while low-resolution images are processed separately with reduced computational overhead, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining quality where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing quality levels to different image regions and resolutions. High-quality demosaicing is applied to full-resolution images where detail is critical, while lower-quality processing is applied to low-resolution images, optimizing bandwidth usage by processing only the necessary level of detail for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method and system for a multi-sensor network camera. The method and system including generating a plurality of full resolution images in Bayer array format (Bayer images) produced by a plurality of image sensors; interpolating a plurality of low resolution Bayer images from the full resolution Bayer images during the readout of the full resolution images from the sensors, storing the full resolution Bayer images and the interpolated low resolution images in a plurality of buffer memories, respectively and without demosaicing the full resolution Bayer images, during the readout of the full resolution Bayer images from the image sensors, by respective plurality of pre-processors; demosaicing the plurality of low resolution Bayer images to generate a corresponding plurality of low resolution demosaiced images, by an image post processor; and transmitting the plurality of low resolution demosaiced images over a computer network to a user for viewing.