Apparatus and method for image decimation for image sensors

Abstract

Previously available analog domain decimation techniques are limited to simple equally-weighted averaging of photosite outputs. Decimation of a Bayer pattern image by an even-factor, such as by two or six, using simple equally-weighted averaging of photosite outputs in the analog domain results in effective sampling locations that are unevenly spaced apart. Standard interpolation of the unevenly spaced effective sampling locations generates image artifacts that reduce the quality of the reconstructed image in the smaller format because standard interpolation methods assume that the effective sampling locations are evenly spaced. Implementations of systems, methods and apparatus disclosed herein aim to produce substantially evenly spaced effective sampling locations in the analog domain. More specifically, in some implementations, the unequally-weighted-average even-factor decimation methods disclosed herein produce substantially more evenly spaced effective sampling locations as compared to the equally-weighted-average even-factor decimation processes previously used in the analog domain.

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