Image Sensor Pixel Data Compression Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The SMIA standard requires treating compressed data as RAW data, necessitating changes to the format converter circuit and packing circuit for different compression rates, and existing methods struggle with flexible compression settings, especially for high-speed transmission and 8B10B methods.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor system that includes an imaging unit, a compression unit, and a conversion unit to compress and convert pixel data into various formats, allowing for flexible compression rates and transmission formats without altering the existing interface, enabling the setting of compression rates based on image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SMIA standard is used for compression data transmission, then data transmission between image sensor and image processing LSI is standardized, but the format converter circuit and packing circuit must be changed for different compression rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission system into distinct functional blocks: a compression rate setting unit, a format converter circuit, and a packing circuit. By separating these functions, the system can adjust compression rates independently without requiring modifications to the entire circuit architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capability by introducing a compression rate setting unit that can change compression rates in real-time. The format converter circuit responds dynamically to these changes by adjusting its conversion parameters, allowing the system to adapt to different compression requirements without physical circuit modifications.
2Productivity
If compression rate is changed to improve data transmission efficiency, then pixel data output period is shortened, but existing interface standards cannot accommodate variable compression rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary format converter circuit between the pixel data source and the transmission interface. This intermediary component translates pixel data into various compression formats while maintaining compatibility with existing interface standards, allowing efficient data transmission without violating standard compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the format converter circuit to adjust its conversion parameters based on the desired compression rate. By changing parameters such as bit depth and data grouping rather than the fundamental interface structure, the system achieves variable compression rates while maintaining interface standard compatibility.
3Quantity of substance
If 12-bit pixel data is compressed into fewer bits to reduce data rate, then transmission bandwidth is reduced, but compression rate cannot be set freely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic compression rate adjustment by allowing the compression rate setting unit to freely specify compression parameters. The format converter circuit dynamically adapts to these settings by adjusting its conversion process, enabling flexible compression ratios from 12-bit to various lower bit depths without system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The format converter circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle various compression scenarios. It can convert 12-bit pixel data to different bit depths (8-bit, 6-bit, 4-bit, etc.) using the same circuit architecture, providing universal compression capability that eliminates the need for specialized circuits for each compression rate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technique relates to an image sensor, an data transmission method thereof, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an electronic device, and a program with which it is made possible to improve flexibility in compression and to make connectivity between an image sensor and a DSP better.Data Pixel4*N to Pixel4*N+3 in a 12-bit original image data format of four pixels is converted into six-bit compression data and is arranged by two pixels into a 12-bit compression data format including a structure identical to that of a 12-bit original image data format, whereby data Data2*N and Data2*N+1 is configured. Moreover, upper eight bits of each of compression data formats Data2*N and Data2*N+1 are read and arranged into data Byte3*N and Byte3*N+1. Lower four bits of each of the compression data format Data2*N and Data2*N+1 are arranged into data Byte3*N+2. The present technique can be applied to an imaging apparatus.