On-Chip Neural Imaging Sensor for Secure Region Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing technologies require external processors for complex operations like face authentication, potentially compromising image data security and privacy by outputting unprocessed images externally.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging device with an imager, a processing unit using a neural network calculation model to extract specific regions from image data, and an output unit that fabricates and outputs processed image data within the chip, preventing external exposure of unprocessed data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complicated processing such as face authentication is executed at an external application processor, then processing capability is improved, but security and privacy are compromised due to output of unprocessed image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image processing functionality into the image sensor chip by integrating a neural network processing unit that can execute fabrication processing directly on the chip. This combines the image capture function with the complex processing capability in a single integrated system, eliminating the need to output unprocessed image data externally while maintaining high processing capability for tasks like face authentication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fabrication processing is executed externally, then processing flexibility is improved, but data transmission volume and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary processed information (fabrication results) from the image data while leaving the chip, rather than transmitting the entire unprocessed image data externally. The neural network processing unit performs fabrication processing internally and outputs only the essential results, significantly reducing data transmission volume while maintaining processing flexibility.
3Device complexity
If all image processing is executed externally, then device complexity is reduced, but security control and data privacy are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing system into two parts: simple capture functions remain with the image sensor, while complex fabrication processing is handled by the integrated neural network processing unit on the same chip. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in terms of data flow (no external transmission of raw images) while enhancing security control through on-chip processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state imaging device includes: an imager (11) configured to acquire image data; a processing unit (14) configured to execute, on the image data or data based on the image data, processing of extracting a specific region based on a neural network calculation model; and an output unit (16) configured to output image data fabricated based on the specific region or the image data read from the imager based on the specific region.