The
Image Signal Processor is at the core of any camera system present in modern
systems that we use in our day to day life like Smartphones. So in this
article let's understand the role of an Image Signal Processor and it's
working.
What is
Image Signal Processor?
An Image
Signal Processor also known as Image processing Engine is a type of media
processor specially used for Image processing in Digital Cameras and
Smartphones. It can perform a range of image processing task. The ISP is
usually integrated on to the System on Chip(SoC).
Functions
& Working of Image Signal Processor(ISP)
Bayer
Transformation
The
photodiodes employed in a camera sensor are color-blind, they only record
shades of grey. To get color into the picture they are covered with different
color filters i.e. Red, Blue, Green(RGB) according to the pattern designated by
the Bayer Filter. As each photodiode record color information for exactly one
pixel of an image, without an image processor, there would be a green
pixel next to each red and blue pixel. Thus ISP is crucial in the color
reproduction of the Image that we click.
Demosaicing
The
image processor evaluates the color and brightness data of a given pixel,
compares them with the data from neighboring pixels and then uses a demosaicing
algorithm to produce an appropriate color and brightness value for the
pixel. The image processor also assesses the whole picture to guess at the
correct distribution of contrast.
Noise
Reduction
The
image processor attempts to separate the noise from the image information and
to remove it. This can be quite a challenge, as the image may contain areas
with fine textures which, if treated as noise, may lose some of their
definition.
Image
Sharpening
To
preserve the impression of depth, clarity and fine details, the image processor
must sharpen edges and contours. It, therefore, must detect edges correctly
and reproduce them smoothly and without over-sharpening.
3A's of
Photography
The ISP
also helps in things like Auto Focus, Auto Exposure, Auto White Balance.
Encoding
An important part of any Image or Video that we see is the way it is Encoded into
the File. The ISP will usually request a center crop or subsample from the
camera sensor, depending on the capabilities of the sensor. The encoder takes
these images and compresses them into a format and bitrate of the OEM or user’s
choice.
Other
Imp Functions of ISP
The
Image Signal Processor also helps in Tasks Like Improving The High Dynamic
Range(HDR). The ISP can also help in Lens Imperfections & Distortions to
smoothen up the Image.
In this
Way, the ISP is a crucial part of the Digital Imaging System. With Improvements
in ISP, Image Quality has improved every year.
Stay
Tuned For More Updates & Allow Notifications to get notified whenever I
post a new update
Comments
Post a Comment