Image Sensor Region Information Embedding for Control Data Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image capturing systems, the increasing complexity and data transmission requirements between image sensors and signal processing circuits due to varying image sizes and the need for coordinate information transmission complicate the system, leading to an increase in control information transmitted.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing apparatus and method that includes a pixel portion with first and second pixel regions, where region information is added to image data, allowing the signal processing unit to correct pixel data from the first region using data from the second region, thereby reducing the need for control information transmission from the control unit to the signal processing circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control information is transmitted from the control unit to both the image sensor and the signal processing circuit, then the signal processing circuit can perform coordinate-based processing, but the amount of control information transmitted increases and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing accuracyVSAvoidcontrol information transmission complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coordinate information from the control unit and embeds it directly into the image data packets transmitted to the signal processing circuit. This eliminates the need for separate coordinate information transmission, reducing control information complexity while maintaining processing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The image sensor acts as an intermediary that receives control information from the control unit and incorporates it into the image data packets. This mediator role allows the signal processing circuit to obtain necessary coordinate information without direct transmission from the control unit, simplifying the overall control structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If coordinate information is transmitted separately for image sensor and signal processing circuit, then each circuit receives appropriate control information, but the control system becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit-specific control information deliveryVSAvoidcontrol information management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image data packet structure is designed to be universal, containing both image data and coordinate information that can serve multiple purposes. The same packet structure satisfies the needs of both the image sensor and the signal processing circuit, eliminating the need for separate control information streams

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9906749B2Image capturing apparatus capable of generating and adding pixel region information to image data, method of controlling the same, and image sensor

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 CANON KK

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus, comprising: a pixel portion comprising a first pixel region and a second pixel region; an output unit configured to output a result of adding region information indicating the first pixel region and the second pixel region to image data obtained from the pixel portion; and a signal processing unit configured to correct pixel data of the first pixel region using pixel data of the second pixel region for image data read out from the pixel portion, wherein the signal processing unit extracts pixel data of the first pixel region and pixel data of the second pixel region of the image data using the region information added to the image data received from the output unit.