Digital Image Sensor and Processor Segmentation for Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital imaging systems face challenges in integrating a fully functional System on a Chip (SOC) image sensor due to temperature-dependent dark current, power consumption issues, and the complexity of integrating image processing circuitry, which affects signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging system comprising a digital image sensor and a digital image processor that communicate using digital signals, with the image sensor featuring a noise reduction circuit and a tone correction method using blending masks, allowing for independent image capture and processing operations while reducing noise and enhancing dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image processing circuitry is integrated into the image sensor to form an SOC, then processing speed and integration are improved, but temperature-dependent dark current increases and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the image sensor and image processor into two independent integrated circuits. The image sensor captures images without integrated processing circuitry, eliminating the dark current problem, while the separate image processor handles image processing tasks. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing high-speed processing without the harmful thermal effects of integrated circuitry.
2Ease of manufacture
If image processing circuitry is integrated into the image sensor, then system integration is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging system into separate image sensor and image processor integrated circuits. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for power efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design. The separate architecture enables selective activation of processing functions, reducing overall power consumption compared to always-on integrated processing.
3Productivity
If image processing circuitry is integrated into the image sensor, then processing capability is improved, but noise coupling increases and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the image processing function from the image sensor into a separate integrated circuit. This extraction eliminates the noise coupling that would occur between processing circuitry and sensor elements within the same chip. The separate image processor handles all processing tasks without introducing noise into the sensitive sensor, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio while preserving full processing capability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If separate integrated circuits are used for image sensor and processor, then noise coupling is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a standardized interface as an intermediary between the image sensor and image processor integrated circuits. This interface layer simplifies the interaction between separate components, providing a clean communication protocol that reduces system complexity despite the physical separation. The standardized interface manages data flow and control signals efficiently, making the multi-component system as manageable as a single integrated unit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves high-quality image capture with improved dynamic range and noise reduction, enabling real-time video processing and multi-standard video format support, suitable for applications like closed-circuit television and security cameras.
Implementation Method 1
The photosensitive device reacts to light reflected from the scene and can translate the strength of that light into electronic signals that are digitized
Data Source
AI summary
A video imaging system includes a digital image sensor for performing image capture operations and a digital image processor for performing image processing operations. The digital image sensor includes a sensor array outputting digital pixel data, an image buffer for storing the pixel data, a first processor and a first interface circuit for transferring the pixel data onto a pixel bus. The digital image processor includes a second interface circuit coupled to receive the pixel data from the pixel bus, a frame buffer coupled to store the pixel data, an image processing pipeline for processing the pixel data stored in the frame buffer into video data, and a second processor. The digital image sensor and the digital image processor transfer control information over a control interface bus and the digital image sensor performs the image capture operations independent of the image processing operations performed by the digital image processor.