ToF Image Processing for Selective Pixel Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensing devices face challenges in improving distance measurement precision while maintaining signal-to-noise ratio, particularly when averaging processing is not optimally applied across pixels.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device determines whether to perform averaging processing on pixels based on signal-to-noise ratio and threshold amplitude values, selectively choosing target pixels for averaging to enhance precision in distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If averaging processing is applied to all pixels, then measurement precision is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies averaging processing selectively to specific pixels based on their signal-to-noise ratio rather than uniformly to all pixels. The determination unit identifies target pixels with insufficient signal-to-noise ratio and applies averaging only to those pixels, thereby improving measurement precision for affected areas while preserving the original signal quality in pixels that already have adequate signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs averaging processing on only a subset of pixels (those identified as target pixels with low signal-to-noise ratio) rather than on all pixels. This partial application of averaging processing improves the signal-to-noise ratio for specific problematic pixels while avoiding the degradation that would occur if averaging were applied universally to all pixels.
2Measurement precision
If averaging processing is applied to improve precision, then measurement accuracy is enhanced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary evaluation of signal-to-noise ratio for each pixel before applying averaging processing. By pre-identifying which pixels require averaging based on their signal-to-noise ratio, the system avoids unnecessary processing of pixels that already have adequate quality, thereby reducing overall processing complexity while still achieving improved measurement precision for the necessary pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing treatments to different pixels based on their individual signal-to-noise ratio characteristics. Pixels with adequate signal-to-noise ratio undergo no processing, while only pixels below a threshold receive averaging processing. This localized approach reduces overall processing complexity compared to uniform processing of all pixels.
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 solution improves distance measurement precision by selectively applying averaging processing only when necessary, thereby optimizing signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
An image sensing device is a device for capturing an optical image by using the property of a photosensitive semiconductor material which reacts to a light
Implementation Method 2
This distance between the object and the image sensing device can be measured based on a time of flight (ToF) measurement which directly or indirectly measures a time taken for an emitted light pulse to arrive at an object and to then return to the image sensing device
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device is provided to include a determination unit configured to i) determine, for a pixel group including pixels in an pixel array of an imaging device that receives reflected light from an object carrying a dot pattern, whether to perform an averaging processing on at least some of the pixels included in the pixel group corresponding to the dot pattern, based on a maximum amplitude value, and ii) determine target pixels from among the pixels, based on a result of summing at least some of the amplitude values of pixel signals of the pixels in the pixel group; and a calculation unit in communication with the determination unit and configured to perform an averaging processing on pixel signals of the target pixels to calculate a distance value of a distance between the imaging device and the object corresponding to the dot pattern.