IMAGE PROCESSOR

Abstract

Pixel signals are sequentially output from an image sensor in a reverse order to an order in which light sensing cells are arranged with respect to one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In an image processor, first, a data reading part transfers the pixel signals in the same order as corresponding light sensing cells are arranged with respect to both of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, and a signal sequence of the pixel signals is changed. Then, the pixel signals which are output group by group are sequentially selected by a selector in accordance with a sequence of groups. As a result, the pixel signals can be supplied from the selector in an order conforming a two-dimensional array of the light sensing cells, to thereby facilitate color interpolation which is to be later performed by a color interpolator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram roughly illustrating a structure of a digital still camera.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing operations of the digital still camera in photographing.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a structure of an image sensor.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates orders in which pixel signals included in partial images are arranged.

FIG. 5 illustrates a model of an entire image.

FIG. 6 illustrates a model of a partial image caused by A group.

FIG. 7 illustrates a model of a partial image caused by B group.

FIG. 8 illustrates a model of a partial image caused by C group.

FIG. 9 illustrates a model of a partial image caused by D group.

FIG. 10 illustrates a structure including elements related to functions of creating a composite image.

FIG. 11 explains a method for reading out the partial image caused by A group.

FIG. 12 explains a method for reading out the partial image caused by B group.

FIG. 13 explains a method for reading out the partial image caused by C group.

FIG. 14 explains a method for reading out the partial image caused by D group.

FIG. 15 explains operations performed by a selector.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate examples of the image sensor.

FIG. 19 illustrates another structure including elements related to functions of creating a composite image.

Claims

1. An image processor for controlling transfer of pixel signals between an image sensor and a memory storing said pixel signals in association with respective addresses, wherein said image sensor includes a plurality of light sensing cells each belonging to any of a plurality of groups, which are arranged in a two-dimensional array defined by a first direction and a second direction, said image sensor outputting said pixel signals which are obtained in said plurality of light sensing cells and are collected in plural sets respectively for said plurality of groups,some of said pixel signals obtained in some of said plurality of light sensing cells which belong to one of said plurality of groups are sequentially output in a reverse order to an order in which said some of plurality of light sensing cells are arranged in said two-dimensional array with respect to at least one of said first direction and said second direction, andsaid image processor comprises:a transfer part for sequentially transferring said pixel signals which are collected in plural sets respectively for said plurality of groups and supplied from said plurality of light sensing cells in an order in which corresponding light sensing cells are arranged in either said first direction and said second direction of said two-dimensional array while manipulating said respective addresses; anda selector for sequentially selecting and outputting said pixel signals according to a sequence of said plurality of groups in said two-dimensional array.

2. The image processor according to claim 1, wherein said transfer part includes a reading part for reading out said pixel signals from said memory.

3. The image processor according to claim 1, wherein said transfer part includes a writing part for writing said pixel signals into said memory.

4. The image processor according to claim 2, wherein some of said plurality of light sensing cells which belong to a half of said plurality of groups are placed in one of two arbitrary horizontal lines laid adjacent to each other, and the others of said plurality of light sensing cells which belong to the other half of said plurality of groups are placed in the other of said two arbitrary horizontal lines, in said image sensor,said transfer part includes channel units, of which number is equal to a half of the number of said plurality of groups, andtwo sets of pixel signals which are respectively caused by two groups are alternately transferred from one horizontal line to another horizontal line by each of said channel units.