Methods and apparatus for scalable processing
AssigneeSoftEye, Inc.
InventorsTe-Won Lee, Edwin Chongwoo Park
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for scalable processing. Conventional image sensors read image data in a sequential row-by-row manner. However, image data may be more efficiently processed at different scales. For example, computer vision processing at a first scale may be used to determine whether subsequent processing with more resolution is helpful. Various embodiments of the present disclosure readout image data according to different scales; scaled readouts may be processed using scale specific computer vision algorithms to determine next steps. In addition to scaled readouts of image data, some variants may also provide commonly used data and/or implement pre-processing steps.
Claims20
A method, comprising:
- exposing an array of photosites to capture light information;
- enabling a first row of the array based on a first scale;
- reading a first column of the array based on the first scale discharging at least one photosite of the array;
- providing a first scaled readout of the array;
- enabling a second row based on a second scale;
- reading the first column based on the second scale skipping at least one previously discharged photosite of the array;
- and
- providing a second scaled readout of the array, where the first scaled readout and the second scaled readout correspond to a single exposure.
A camera module, comprising:
- an array of photosites arranged by rows and columns;
- a scalable row enable logic configured to enable a first row based on a first scale;
- a scalable column read logic configured to read a first value from a first column and a second value from a second column in a bit-reversed address order based on the first scale;
- and
- output logic configured to provide a first scaled readout comprising the first value and the second value.
A camera sensor, comprising:
- an array of photosites configured to capture light information;
- a scalable row enable logic configured to:
- enable a first row of the array of photosites based on a first scale;
- and
- enable a second row based on a second scale;
- a scalable column read logic configured to:
- read a first scaled readout of a first column of the array of photosites based on the first scale discharging at least one photosite of the array of photosites;
- and
- read a second scaled readout of the first column based on the second scale skipping at least one previously discharged photosite;
- and
- output logic configured to:
- provide the first scaled readout of the array;
- and
- provide the second scaled readout of the array, where the first scaled readout and the second scaled readout correspond to a single exposure of the array of photosites.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.