Pilditöötlusandur

Pilditöötlusandur, also known as an image processing sensor, is a device that captures visual information and converts it into digital data that can be processed by a computer. These sensors are fundamental components in a wide range of applications, from digital cameras and smartphones to industrial inspection systems and medical imaging equipment.

The core principle behind a pilditöötlusandur is the conversion of light into an electrical signal. Most commonly, these sensors utilize a semiconductor material that exhibits the photoelectric effect. When light photons strike the sensor's surface, they excite electrons, generating an electrical charge. This charge is then measured and digitized.

There are two primary types of image sensors: Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) and Active-Pixel Sensors (APS), often referred to as CMOS sensors. CCDs were historically dominant, known for their high image quality and low noise. However, CMOS sensors have largely overtaken the market due to their lower power consumption, faster readout speeds, and lower manufacturing costs.

The output of a pilditöötlusandur is typically a grid of pixels, each representing a specific point in the captured image. The value of each pixel corresponds to the intensity of light that fell on that point. Color images are captured by using filters (e.g., a Bayer filter) over the sensor's pixels to record red, green, and blue light separately. Subsequent image processing algorithms then reconstruct the full-color image. The quality of the pilditöötlusandur significantly impacts the final image resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance.