201204022 六、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明係關於一種照相機系統，特別是一種控制影像 感測器之系統。 5 【先前技術】 近年來，具有影像擷取功能的電子裝置廣受消費者歡 迎。通常’電子裝置（例如，個人電腦或手機）内所採用 之照相機模組包括一個影像感測器，用於捕捉入射光以形 10 成影像的電子呈現。亦即，影像感測器係為可把光影像信 號轉換為電子影像信號的半導體裝置。由於不同類型的影 像感測器需要不同的設定，因此，電子裝置可能無法適當 地配置影像感測器。此外，照相機模組通常包括一個電子 式可抹除可程式唯讀記憶體（EEpR〇M)用來儲存影像感 15測器的配置資料。然而’採用EEPROM會增加照相機模 組的成本。 本發明提供-種照相機系統控制方法，該方法包括： ;取一影^中的—第1料集，其中，該第-資料集包 =別2和一配置資料，該識別資料表示與該照相機 =-：别啟動相關的一影像感測器的一身份該配置 貝料表不與3玄先刖啟動相關的該影像感測器的一或多個 識別資料和與該照相機系統的-目前啟 動相關的-影像感測器是否匹配;以及如果該識別資料和 0605-TW-CH Spec+CIaim(filed-20100709).doc 4 25 201204022 與該目前啟動相關的該影像感測器相匹配，則根據該第〆 資料集的該配置資料設定與遠目别;啟動相關的該影像感 測器。 本發明還提供一種照相機系統控制装置，包括··一影 5 像檔，儲存一第一資料集，其中，該第一資料集包括一識 . 別資料和一配置資料，該識別資料表示與該照相機系統的 一先前啟動相關的一影像感測器的一身份，該配置資料表 示與該先前啟動相關的該影像感測器的一或多個工作參 鲁 數；一識別元件’存取該第一資料集，並判斷該識別資料 10 和與該照相機系統的一目前啟動相關的一影像感測器是 否匹配；以及一配置元件，當該識別資料和與該目前啟動 相關的該影像感測器相匹配時，根據該第一資料集的該配 置資料設定與該目前啟動相關的該影像感測器。 本發明又提供一種控制一影像感測器的照相機系 15 統，包括.一處理器，執行多個機器可執行元件並產生多 個控制命令；麵合於該處理器的一記憶體，儲存該多個機 器可執行元件，並儲存一影像檔，該影像檔包括分別與多 個影像感測器相關的多個資料集’該多個資料集中的至少 一個資料集包括一識別資料和一屬性資料，該識別資料表 2〇 示該多個影像感測器中的一感測器的一身份，該屬性資料 表示該感測器的一先前啟動中被調節的該感測器的一或 多個屬性’其中，該多個機器可執行元件包括一照相機驅 動器，從該多個資料集中選擇一第一資料集，該第一資料 集包含與該影像感測器相匹配的一識別資料，並根據該第 25 一資料集中的一屬性資料產生該多個控制命令以設定該 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(fi!ed-20100709).doc 5 201204022 影像感測H林合於該處理器的 多個控制命令給該影像感測器。 通信介面，傳送讀 5 10 【實施方式】 將=些實，。相反地，本發明意在涵 化、修改和均等^ ^㈣各種變 =外，在以下對本發明的詳細描述中，闌明大 供針對本發明的全面理解。'然而，本技術領域 中八有通常知識者應理解，沒有這些具體細節，本發 樣可以實施。在其他實财，對於習知方法流程、 和電路未作詳細描述，以便於凸顯本發明之主旨。 15 20 圖1所示為根據本發明-實施例的照相機系統1〇〇方 塊圖。在一實施例卜照相機系統謂包括電腦單元⑽ 和照相機模組130。電腦單元110可控制照相機模組13〇 捕捉光影像，並從照相機模組130接收電子信號以呈現所 捕捉的影像。電腦單元110可以是行動電話、個人電腦、 工作站等，但不以此為限。 在一實施例中，照相機模組130包括影像感測器131、 鏡頭133和通訊媒體135。鏡頭133可把入射光線聚焦到 影像感測器131上。影像感測器131可捕捉光影像信號， 並將光影像信號轉換為類比電子影像信號。此外，在一實 施例中’影像感測器131可將類比電子影像信號轉換為數 0605-TW-CHSpec+Claim(filed-201〇〇7〇9).doc 6 25 201204022 位原始（raw)影像信號，例如RAW格式的數位影像。影 像感測器131可為電荷耦合裝置（CCD)影像感測器和互 補型金屬氧化物半導體（CMOS)主動型像素感測器，但 不以此為限。在一實施例中，影像感測器131可包括暫存 5 器介面137、光敏感區域139和一或多個暫存器141。為 了區分不同類型的影像感測器，每稚類型的影像感測器被 分配了一個唯一的識別值。識別值可被儲存於一或多個暫 存器141中。而且，在一實施例中，暫存器141可儲存配 • 置資料，藉此判定影像感測器131的操作參數。操作參數 10 可包括影像感測器131的解析度、亮度、對比度、曝光方 法和曝光時間等，但不以此為限。光敏感區域139感測入 射光以產生類比電子影像信號。 通訊媒體135可傳送來自電腦單元110的控制命令以 控制影像感測器131的影像擷取功能，例如設定或調整影 15 像感測器131的操作參數。通訊媒體135根據通訊協定(例 如，通用串列匯流排（USB)協定或1394協定等)與電腦 • 單元11〇互動。而且，通訊媒體135可根據其他通訊協定 (例如’内部積體電路（I2C)匯流排協定或串列照相機控 制匯流排（SCCB)協定)與影像感測器131互動。換言之， 20 在一實施例中’影像感測器131可支援I2C/SCCB協定。 因此，通訊媒體135也提供協定轉換功能，例如USB和 i2c/sccb之間的協定轉換。此外，通訊媒體135可將來自 影像感測器131之數位影像信號（例如，數位原始影像信 號）傳送至電腦單元11〇。通訊媒體135可根據sccb/i2c 25 協定，經由暫存器介面137存取暫存器141。 0605-TW-CHSpec+Claim(f5|ed-2〇l〇〇7〇9).doc 7 201204022 在一實施例中，電腦單元110包括處理器1〇1(例如， 中央處理單S (CPU))、記憶體103、通訊介面1〇5和匯 流排107。電腦單元110安裝了 一個作業系統，例如201204022 VI. Description of the Invention: [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a camera system, and more particularly to a system for controlling an image sensor. 5 [Prior Art] In recent years, electronic devices with image capture capabilities have been widely welcomed by consumers. Typically, a camera module employed in an electronic device (e.g., a personal computer or cell phone) includes an image sensor for capturing incident light to form an electronic representation of the image. That is, the image sensor is a semiconductor device that converts an optical image signal into an electronic image signal. Since different types of image sensors require different settings, the electronic device may not properly configure the image sensor. In addition, the camera module typically includes an electronic erasable programmable read only memory (EEpR〇M) for storing the configuration information of the image sensor. However, using EEPROM increases the cost of the camera module. The present invention provides a camera system control method, the method comprising: taking a first item set in a shadow, wherein the first data set package = another 2 and a configuration data, the identification data representing the camera =-: Do not activate an identity of an associated image sensor. The configuration of the bezel is not associated with the activation of one or more of the image sensors associated with the activation of the camera system and the current activation of the camera system. Corresponding-image sensor matching; and if the identification data and 0059-TW-CH Spec+CIaim(filed-20100709).doc 4 25 201204022 match the image sensor associated with the current activation, then The configuration data of the third data set is set to be far-sighted; the image sensor associated with the startup. The present invention also provides a camera system control device, comprising: a shadow image file, storing a first data set, wherein the first data set includes an identification data and a configuration data, the identification data indicating An identity of an image sensor associated with a previous activation of the camera system, the configuration data indicating one or more operational parameters of the image sensor associated with the previous activation; an identification component 'accessing the first a data set, and determining whether the identification data 10 matches an image sensor associated with a current activation of the camera system; and a configuration component, the identification material and the image sensor associated with the current activation When matching, the image sensor associated with the current activation is set according to the configuration data of the first data set. The invention further provides a camera system for controlling an image sensor, comprising: a processor, executing a plurality of machine executable elements and generating a plurality of control commands; facing a memory of the processor, storing the a plurality of machine executable elements, and storing an image file, the image file comprising a plurality of data sets respectively associated with the plurality of image sensors, wherein the at least one data set of the plurality of data sets includes an identification data and an attribute data The identification data table 2 displays an identity of a sensor of the plurality of image sensors, the attribute data indicating one or more of the sensors that are adjusted in a previous activation of the sensor Attributes, wherein the plurality of machine executable elements comprise a camera driver, and selecting a first data set from the plurality of data sets, the first data set includes an identification data matching the image sensor, and The attribute data in the 25th data set generates the plurality of control commands to set the 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(fi!ed-20100709).doc 5 201204022 image sensing H forest combined with the processor Control commands to the image sensor. Communication interface, transfer read 5 10 [Embodiment] will be = some real. Rather, the invention is to be construed as being limited to the details of the invention. However, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other real money, the conventional method flow, and circuit are not described in detail in order to highlight the gist of the present invention. 15 20 Figure 1 is a block diagram of a camera system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the camera system includes a computer unit (10) and a camera module 130. The computer unit 110 can control the camera module 13 to capture light images and receive electronic signals from the camera module 130 to present the captured images. The computer unit 110 can be a mobile phone, a personal computer, a workstation, etc., but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the camera module 130 includes an image sensor 131, a lens 133, and a communication medium 135. The lens 133 can focus the incident light onto the image sensor 131. The image sensor 131 can capture the optical image signal and convert the optical image signal into an analog electronic image signal. In addition, in an embodiment, the image sensor 131 can convert the analog electronic image signal into a number 0605-TW-CHSpec+Claim(filed-201〇〇7〇9).doc 6 25 201204022 bit raw image signal , for example, digital images in RAW format. The image sensor 131 may be a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) active type pixel sensor, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, image sensor 131 may include a temporary memory interface 137, a light sensitive area 139, and one or more registers 141. In order to distinguish between different types of image sensors, each type of image sensor is assigned a unique identification value. The identification value can be stored in one or more registers 141. Moreover, in one embodiment, the register 141 can store the configuration data, thereby determining the operational parameters of the image sensor 131. The operating parameters 10 may include, but are not limited to, the resolution, brightness, contrast, exposure method, and exposure time of the image sensor 131. The light sensitive area 139 senses the incident light to produce an analog electronic image signal. The communication medium 135 can transmit a control command from the computer unit 110 to control the image capturing function of the image sensor 131, such as setting or adjusting the operating parameters of the image sensor 131. The communication medium 135 interacts with the computer unit 11 in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) protocol or a 1394 protocol, etc.). Moreover, communication medium 135 can interact with image sensor 131 in accordance with other communication protocols (e.g., 'Internal Integrated Circuit (I2C) Bus Protocol or Serial Camera Control Bus (SCCB) protocol). In other words, 20 in one embodiment, the image sensor 131 can support the I2C/SCCB protocol. Therefore, the communication medium 135 also provides protocol conversion functions, such as protocol conversion between USB and i2c/sccb. In addition, the communication medium 135 can transmit a digital image signal (e.g., a digital original image signal) from the image sensor 131 to the computer unit 11A. The communication medium 135 can access the register 141 via the scratchpad interface 137 in accordance with the sccb/i2c25 protocol. 0605-TW-CHSpec+Claim(f5|ed-2〇l〇〇7〇9).doc 7 201204022 In an embodiment, computer unit 110 includes a processor 101 (eg, a central processing unit S (CPU) ), memory 103, communication interface 1〇5, and bus bar 107. The computer unit 110 is equipped with an operating system, for example
Windows XP、Windows Vista 和 Linux。在一實施例中，處 5 理器ι〇1處理各種儲存在記憶體的程式，並將命令傳 送給相應的硬體元件。為執行一特定程式，處理器101從 記憶體103載入相關指令並向相關硬體元件傳送相應的控 制命令以執行這些指令。處理器101亦可傳送命令以根據 這些相關指令控制耦接於電腦單元11〇的裝置，例如照相 10 機模組130。此外，記憶體103為電腦可讀媒體，可儲存 由處理器101處理之電腦可讀及/或電腦可執行資料。通訊 "面105包括串列介面、平行介面及/或其他類型介面，且 可傳送與接收載有數位資料串的電子、電磁或光信號。例 如，通sfl介面105與通訊媒體135互動以傳送電子影像信 15 號和與影像取得管理相關的控制命令。電腦單元11〇的硬 體元件，例如處理器101、記憶體103和通訊介面1〇5之 間的通訊經由匯流排107建立。 在一實施例中，記憶體103可包括應用程式模組121 和驅動器模組123。應用程式模組121可包括使用者模式 20 程式，其可在前景（foreground)運行並與使用者互動。 驅動器模組123可包括核心模式程式，其可在背景運行而 使用者無法看到。在一實施例中，核心模式程式包括串流 類驅動器125、照相機驅動器127和裝置驅動器129。應 用程式模組121和驅動器模組123可由處理器ιοί執行。 25 在一實施例中，串流類驅動器125可以由作業系統提 0605-TW-CH Spec+C!aim(fi!ed-20100709),doc 8 201204022 供並且作為連接上層之使用者模式程式和下層之核心模 式程式的橋樑。例如’如果使用者啟動一個使用者模式程 式的視訊電話功能，使用者模式程式可以發出（ issue)影 像請求。串流類驅動器125接收影像請求，且調用（invoke) 5 照相機驅動器127啟動照相機模組13〇以回應此影像請 求。照相機驅動器127可用於驅動各種類型的影像感測 器。在一實施例中，即使照相機模組130更換影像感測器 131為不同類型的影像感測器，照相機驅動器127無需更 新仍然可識別並且配置新採用的影像感測器。換言之，照 10 相機驅動器127是一個用於各種影像感測器的通用驅動 器。此外，照相機驅動器127調用裝置驅動器129以建立 通訊介面105和通訊媒體135之間的通訊，藉此致能電腦 單元110與影像感測器131間的通訊。例如，裝置驅動器 129可由處理器ιοί執行，以偵測/辨識（rec〇gnize)來自 15 影像感測器131的信號，例如數位原始影像信號，並將此 等來自影像感測器131的信號轉譯為相對應的電腦可讀資 料。另外，裝置驅動器129可將電腦可讀資料（例如，來 自電腦單元110的電腦命令）轉譯為感測器可讀信號。在 一實施例中’裝置驅動器129，例如USB驅動器，可以由 20 作業系統提供。 有利的是’照相機驅動器127可支援各種影像感測 器’因此使得照相機系統1〇〇更有彈性和使用者便利。而 且，照相機模組130省去了 eeprom的配置。因此，照 相機系統100的成本可降低。 25 圖2所示為根據本發明一實施例的驅動器模組123的 9 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022 方塊圖°與圖1標號相同的元件具有類似功能。圖2將結 合圖1描述之。在一實施例中，照相機驅動器127還包括 影像標221、識別元件223 '配置元件225、特性元件227 和影像處理元件229。 5 影像槽221儲存與各種不同影像感測器相關的電腦可 讀資料集。在一實施例中，每個資料集定義與對應影像感 測器相關的識別資料和配置資料。識別資料指示相對應影 像感測器之感測器類型（或身分）。例如，影像感測器131 的識別資料可包括如於圖1所述之識別值、一或多個位址 10 值和位址數量值。位址值指示暫存器141的位址。位址數 量值指不儲存識別值的暫存器141的個數。例如，若識別 值為16位元長，識別值可儲存在二個8位元暫存器中。 因此，位址值包含兩個8位元暫存器的位址且位址數量值 為2。在以下描述中’儲存在影像檔221的識別值被稱為 15 本地δ线別值，儲存在暫存器141的識別值被稱為遠端識別 值。在一實施例中，影像感測器131的識別資料也可以包 含指示影像感測器131所支援的通訊協定（例如pc協定 和SCCB協定）的協定值。相應的配置資料指示影像感測 器131的操作參數，例如解析度、亮度、對比度、曝光方 20 法和曝光時間。 有利的是，影像檔221可以被更新以包括與電腦單元 110未知的影像感測器相關的額外資料集。例如，與新的 影像感測器相關的資料集可以被寫入影像擋221，俾使照 相機驅動器127可辨識這些影像感測器。因此，照相機驅 25 動器127可被客製化（customized)成支援各種任意影像 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-201〇〇7〇9).doc 10 201204022 感測器。 處理器101所執行的識別元件223可比較影像感測器 131中的遠端識別值（例如，儲存在暫存器141的遠端識 別值）與包含在影像檔121的資料集中的本地識別值。如 5 果包含在資料集中的任一個的本地識別值與遠端識別值 匹配，則識別出影像感測器131。更特別言之，識別元件 223包括機器可執行指令碼，以根據包含在對應資料集中 的位址值與位址數量值取得影像感測器131 (舉例說明） # 的遠端識別值，並藉由比較遠端識別值與包含在對應資料 10 集中的本地識別值而自動識別出影像感測器131。配置元 件225包括機器可執行指令碼，以讀取包含在對應資料集 中的配置資料，並根據對應配置資料設定影像感測器131 的操作參數。 影像處理元件229包括機器可執行指令碼，以對來自 15 照相機模組130的數位影像信號進行數位圖像處理。更具 體而言’影像處理元件229可以藉由各種不同數位處理演 • 算法（例如：幾何轉換、顏色處理、影像合成、影像去雜 訊、影像增強等）調整影像屬性，例如亮度、顏色、飽和 度、雜訊-信號比等。結果，數位原始影像信號可被轉換為 2〇 具有標準影像檔格式（例如：聯合影像專家組（J〇im Photographic Experts Group，JPEG)標準）的色彩修正影像。 在一實施例中’儲存在影像槽221的資料集還可以定 義指示影像屬性的特性資料，例如數位影像信號的亮度、 顏色、飽和度、雜訊-信號比等。特性元件227包含機器可 25 執行指令碼，以調整數位影像信號之影像屬性。如果使用 0605-TW-CHSpec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022 者模式程式發出調整影像屬性的請求，特性元件227可以 從影像檔221中讀取特性資料並據此調整影像屬性。β以 在一實施例中’照相機驅動器127還包括判定元件231 與更新元件233。判定元件231包括機器可執行指令碼， 以判定影縣測H m所支㈣通職定及與影像感測号 131之通訊是否成功建立。更新元件233包括機器可執行 指令碼，以當資料集不包含與影像感測器131相匹配的識 別資料時更新影像檔221。 ° 10 15 20 圖3所示是根據本發明一實施例的控制影像感測器的 方法的流程圖300。儘管圖3中揭示特定步驟，但這些步 驟僅為例示性。亦即，本發明適合於執行其他各種步驟或 圖3中所述步驟的變化。圖3將結合圖丨和圖2描述。在 一實施例中，流程圖300可以儲存在電腦可讀媒體中的電 腦可執行指令實施。 在步驟301中，使用者模式程式，例如視頻應用程式， 發出影像請求。串流類驅動器125調用照相機驅動器127 以回應影像請求，照相機驅動器127因此隨影像槽221 — 起被處理器101從記憶體1〇3中載入並且處理。編程在照 相機驅動器127内之任務因此被執行。在以下步驟303到 321的描述中將詳細描述這些任務。 在步驟303中’照相機驅動器127的判定元件231判 定與影像感測器131之間的通訊是否成功建立。例如，假 設影像感測器131支援的通訊協定為i2C且通訊介面105 使用USB協定與通訊媒體135互動，當通訊媒體135僅能 執行從USB到SCCB的協定轉換時，則影像感測器B1 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 12 25 201204022 與通訊媒體135之間之通訊則無法成功建立。在這種情況 下，在步驟305，SCCB協定被改變為i2c協定，且通訊媒 體135執行從USB到I2C的協定轉換。隨著步驟305的通 訊協定改變，步驟303再次被執行以判定已經成功建立通 5 訊。如此’影像感測器131支援的通訊協定被確定。 或者，在步驟303，識別資料的協定值可被用作通訊 建立内的預設通訊協定。亦即，在第一次嘗試建立通訊 時，藉由照相機驅動器127的判定元件231將該協定值假 # 設為通訊協定。藉由使用此協定值為預設的通訊協定，第 10 一次嘗試建立通訊的成功機率可提高。如此，系統效率得 以提升。 在步驟307，儲存在影像檔221的識別資料被存取。 對於每個資料集的識別資料，照相機驅動器丨27的辨認元 件235在步驟309中判定是否找到ID匹配。更具體而言， 15 照相機驅動器127的取得元件237根據識別資料的位址值 和位址數量值從暫存器141中讀取影像感測器131的遠端 識別值。辨認元件235比較影像感測器131的遠端識別值 和識別資料的本地識別值，以做出上述判定。在一實施例 中，取得元件237和辨認元件235構成識別元件223。如 2〇 果遠端識別值和本地識別值一致，則找到ID匹配。在這 種情況下，相應配置資料在步驟313中被讀取，且影像感 測器131在步驟315中被配置。如果比對影像檔221中所 有資料集與遠端識別值之後仍未找到ID匹配，則在步驟 311更新影像檔221以增加與未知影像感測器相關的額外 25 資料集。 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claitn(filed-20100709).doc 13 201204022 =3Π中’影像感測器131捕捉光影像並根據配 置之知作參數產生數位影像信號。在步驟319中，數位與 像信號被處理以產生顏色校正影像。在步驟321中顏= 校正影像㈣串流難Μ 125魏給㈣者模式程式， 5 供顯示之用。 圖4所示是根據本發明一實施例的驅動器模組⑵的 另一方塊圖。圖4中與圖2標號相同的元件具有類似的功 能。圖4將結合圖1和圖2進行描述。在圖4的實例中， 照相機驅動器127包括影像檔221、識別元件223、配置 ίο 元件、屬性元件401和加密元件406。 根據圖2中的描述，影像檔221可儲存分別與不同影 像感測器相關的多個機器可讀資料集。在一實施例中，每 二個資料集可包括與其中一個對應的影像感測器相關的 識別資料、配置資料和屬性資料。識別資料表示對應的影 15 像感測器的身份。識別元件223包括機器可執行指令碼， 用於存取影像檔221中的資料集以識別影像感測器ι31。 更具體的說’處理器1〇丨執行識別元件223以比較影像感 測器131中的遠端識別值（例如：儲存在暫存器14ι中的 遠端識別值）和影像檔221中的識別資料（例如：本地識 20 別值）。如果位於多個資料集中的一個資料集中的本地識 別值與遠端識別值相匹配，則識別出影像感測器131。 在一實施例中’如果識別元件223識別了影像感測器 131並判定資料集DSET1中的識別資料與影像感測器131 相匹配，影像檔221可儲存或更新索引以表示與影像感測 25 器131相匹配的資料集DSET1的位址。照相機系統100 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(fiIed-20100709).doc \λ 201204022 可能會斷電或影像感測器131被拔出（例如：被使用者拔 出）。當照相機系統1〇〇被重新供電或一個影像感測器與 電腦單元110再度連接上時，識別元件223可根據儲存在 影像檔221中的索引存取資料集。更具體的說，識別元件 5 223可首先存取資料集DSET1，即在先前的啟動（boot) (例如：上一次啟動）中與耦合於電腦單元110的影像感 測器相匹配的資料集。 通過執行識別元件223 ’處理器1〇1可比較影像感測 φ 器131中的遠端識別值（例如：儲存在暫存器141中的遠 10 端識別值）和資料集DSET1中的識別資料。如果識別元 件223判定資料集DSET1中的識別資料匹配於影像感測 器131 (例如：目前啟動中的影像感測器131和上一次啟 動中的影像感測器131具有相同的類型），配置元件225 可根據資料集DSET1中的配置資料配置影像感測器131» 15 在這種情況下’識別元件223可能不需要存取其他資料 集，因此，可提高照相機系統100的效率。 如果資料集DSET1中的識別資料與影像感測器131 不匹配（例如：目前啟動中的影像感測器131和上一次啟 動中的影像傳感器具有不同的類型），識別元件223可存 20 取其他的資料集，直到找到與目前啟動中的影像感測器 131相關的資料集DSET2,例如：資料集DSET2中的識別 資料與影像感測器131相匹配。此外，識別元件223可更 新影像檔221中的索引以表示對應資料集DSET2的位 址。因此，當照相機系統100下一次重新啟動時，識別元 25 件223可根據更新的索引首先存取資料集DSET2。 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022 對應資料集中的配置資料表示影像感測器131的工作 參數。在一實施例中，對應資料集中的配置資料表示影像 感測器131的預設（default)或初始工作參數。在一實施 例中，配置疋件225包括機器可執行指令碼，用於從對應 資料集（例如：DSET1或DSET2)中讀取配置資料，並根 據配置資料設置影像感測器131的卫作參數，例如：根據 配置資料將工作參數的值寫入對應的暫存器141。 由配置7L件225配置的工作參數可決定影像感測器 131在運行中的不同方面。例如：儲存在暫存器i4i中的 10 15 20 個相應的1作參數蚊曝光雜，例如：人射到影像感 測器m的光的多少。儲存在暫存器141巾的—個相應的 工作參數決定了曝糾持續時間此，影像感測器i3i 可根據表轉像感測ϋ 131的工作參數的配置㈣產生數 位影像信號。 不同的電腦單元’例如：來自不同的生產商，可能需 要對影像感測n 131進行不同的配置^在—實施例中，配 置資料可包括分別對應於多個電腦單元類型的多個類。在 一實施例中’識別元件223還包括機器可執行指令碼，用 2別電醉70 110，例如：通過讀取電腦單it 110的基 本輸入輸出系統（BIOS)來進行識別。如此，配置元件 2菩2ir擇對應於電腦單元llG的__，並據此配置 影像感測器m。更具體的說，配置元件225可將所選類 中=應值寫入對應的暫存謂。根 能 ㈣來配置影像感測器131，可提高照相齡統的性 S& Λ 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 25 201204022 影像感測器131的屬性可表示影像感測器131相關的 可感知的屬性。影像感測器131的屬性可包栝’但不局限 於，影像屬性（例如：亮度、對比度、顏色、灰度和飽和 度）和/或感測器屬性（例如：輸出影像格式和防閃爍性 5 能）。 在一實施例中，暫存器141中的工作參數決定影像感 測器131的屬性。舉例說明，某些暫存器141儲存的工作 參數可決定“亮度，’影像屬性。更具體的說，與亮度加權值、 φ 伽瑪曲線、曝光時間、曝光方法、光圈值、快門速度等有 10 關的工作參數可決定影像感測器131產生的數位影像的亮 度。 在工作中，影像感測器131的屬性可由使用者模式程 式進行調節。在一實施例中，如果使用者模式程式的屬性 選項卡被重新配置，例如：被使用者重新配置，使用者模 15 式程式可修改與該屬性選項卡相關的工作參數，從而修改 對應的屬性。舉例說明，為調節影像感測器131產生的數 φ 位影像的亮度’使用者模式程式可修改影像感測器131的 與亮度加權值、伽瑪曲線、曝光時間、曝光方法、光圈值、 快門速度等有關的工作參數^ 20 在一實施例中，屬性元件401包括機器可執行指令 碼’用於根據重新配置或修改的工作參數提供或更新屬性 資料。重新配置或修改的工作參數表示使用者模式程式調 節的影像感測器131的屬性。例如，屬性資料可包括重新 配置或更改過的對應工作參數的值。或者，屬性資料可包 25 括記憶體103的位址，該位址用於儲存重新配置或更改過 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022 的對應工作參數的值。 照相機系統1〇〇可能會斷電或影像感測器131被拔出 (例如：被使用者拔出）。如果照相機系統100重新被供 電或一個影像感測器與電腦單元110重新連接上，處理器 5 101可在完成識別和配置（例如：以預設或初始工作參數 及/或根據電腦單元110的識別種類配置影像感測器）以後 執行屬性元件401。在一實施例中，屬性元件401還包括 機器可執行指令碼，用於存取屬性資料。屬性資料表示在 相同類型的影像感測器的前—次啟動過程（即當相同類型 ίο 的影像感測器耦合於電腦單元11〇時的照相機系統100的 前一次啟動）中所調節的屬性。並且，屬性元件401根據 屬性資料設置目前啟動中的影像感測器的屬性。如此，可 根據使用者以前的設置自動調節屬性，如此對使用者更為 便捷。 15 加密元件406包括機器可執行指令碼，用於加密和解 密影像檔221中的資料集。例如，當資料集存入影像檔221 時’加密元件406加密該資料集；當從影像檔221讀取資 料集時，加密元件406解密該資料集。如此，提高了照相 機系統100的安全性能。在一實施例中，處理器1〇1玎執 2〇 行加密元件4〇6以完成哈希（hash)運算和對稱加解密演 算法，以對資料集進行加密和解密。 優點在於，在一實施例中，當資料集被存入影像檔221 時’加密元件406可加密配置資料和屬性資料，並可保持 識別資料未加密。因此，在影像檔221的資料集被解密之 25 前，對應的識別資料可被用於識別影像感測器131。更異 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022 體的說，如果一個資料集（例如：DSET3)的對應識別資 料與影像感測器131的遠端識別值相匹配，資料集DSET3 的配置資料和屬性資料可被解密並被用於影像感測器的 配置和屬性設置。如果資料集DSET3的識別資料和影像 5 感測器131不匹配’照相機驅動器127檢索其他的資料集 而不解密資料集DSET3的配置資料和屬性資料。如此， 提高了系統的效率。 圖5所示是根據本發明一實施例的控制影像感測器的 # 方法流程圖300。儘管圖5中揭示特定步驟，但這些步驟 1〇 僅為示例性。也就是說’本發明適於執行其他各種步驟或 圖5中步驟的變化。圖5將結合圖1、圖2和圖4描述。 在一實施例中，流程圖500可作為儲存在機器可讀媒體中 的機器可執行指令而實現。 在照相機系統100的前一次啟動中，包括識別資料 15 DIDEN1、配置資料 Dc〇NF1 和屬性資料dPR0P1的資料集 DSET1用於識別和配置影像感測器SPREVI〇us。例如：識別 Φ 資料DiDEN 1具有與影像感測器SpREVI0us的遠端識別值相匹 配的本地識別值。配置資料DC0NF1表示影像感測器 SpREVlOUS的工作參數。屬性資料DPRpP1表示與前一次啟動 20 相關的影像感測器SpREVIOUS的屬性。如此，影像槽221還 可儲存表示資料集DSET1的位址的索引。在一實施例中， 配置資料DC0NF1和屬性資料DPR0P丨是加密資料。識別資料 Dideni是未加密資料。在圖5的實例中，在目前啟動中搞 合於電腦单元11 0的影像感測器ScURRENT和前一次啟動的 影像感測β SpreVIOUS具有相同的類型。 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 19 25 201204022 在步驟502中，照相機系統100啟動。在一實施例中， 處理器101載入儲存在記憶體103中的影像檔221，並執 行記憶體103中的機器可執行照相機驅動器127。 在步驟504中’根據影像檔221中的索引存取資料集 5 DSET1。在步驟5〇6中’識別元件223比較識別資料D1DEN1 和在目前啟動中耦合於電腦單元110的影像感測器 ScURRENT的遠端識別值。由於影像感測器SCURRENT和影像 感測器SPREV丨0US具有相同的類型，則找到身份匹配。因 此’識別出影像感測器SCURRENT。優點在於，識別元件223 1〇 可能不需要檢索影像檔221中的其他資料集，如此，提高 照相機系統100的效率。 在步驟508中’加密元件406解密資料集DSET1中的 配置資料DC0NF1和屬性資料DPR0P1。在步驟510中，配置 元件225根據配置資料DC0NF丨設定影像感測器sCURRENT 15 的工作參數。在一實施例中，識別元件223還識別電腦單 元110的類型。因此’配置元件225可選擇對應於電腦單 元110的類型的配置資料DC0NF1中的一個類，並據此配置 影像感測器S CURRENT 0 在步驟512中，屬性元件401根據屬性資料dPROPi設 2〇 定影像感測器ScURRENT的屬性。因此，可將影像感測器 ScURRENT的屬性调郎到與影像感測SpREVIOUS的屬性一 致，對使用者更為方便。例如：如果屬性資料DPR0P丨表示 在上一次啟動中使用者模式程式根據使用者需求將亮度 調到級別2,在目前啟動中可自動調節亮度到級別2。在 25 步驟514中，如果使用者模式程式根據使用者需求繼續調 0605-TW-CH Spec+CIaim(fi led-20100709).doc 20 201204022 節影像感測器sCURRENT的屬性，屬性元件4〇ι可更新屬性 資料dPR0P1以表示使用者模式程式所調節的屬性。例如， 如果在目前啟動中使用者模式程式調節飽和度到級別j， 屬性元件4 01可更新屬性資料D p R。p i以表示亮度級別2和 5 飽和度級別1。 圖6所示是根據本發明-實施例的控制影像感測器的 方法流程圖600。儘管圖6中揭示特定步驟，但這些步驟 僅為示例性。也就是說，本發明適於執行其他各種步驟或 • 圖6中步驟的變化。圖6將結合圖i、圖圖4和圖5 1〇 進行描述。在一實施例中，流程圖000可作為儲存在機器 可讀媒體中的機器可執行指令而實現。 在照相機系統100的前一次啟動中，包括識別資料 Di_i、配置資料DC0NF1和屬性資料dprop1的資料集 DSET1用於識別和配置影像感測器？pREvi〇us。如此，影像 15 檔221還可儲存表示資料集DSET1的位址的索引。在圖6 的實例中，在目前啟動中耦合於電腦單元11〇的影像感測 φ 器SCURRENT和前一次啟動中的影像感測器SPREVI〇us具有不 同的類型。 在步驟602中，照相機系統1〇〇啟動。在步驟6〇4中， 20 根據影像檔221中的索引存取資料集DSET1。在步驟606 中’識別元件223比較識別資料DiD$ni和在目前啟動中輕 合於電腦單元11〇的影像感測器SCURRENT的遠端識別值。 由於影像感測器ScURRENT和影像感測器SpREVIOUS具有不同 的類型，沒有找到ID匹配。 25 在步驟608中，檢索影像檔221中的其他資料集直到 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 21 201204022Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Linux. In one embodiment, the processor ι〇1 processes various programs stored in the memory and transmits the commands to the corresponding hardware components. To execute a particular program, processor 101 loads the relevant instructions from memory 103 and transmits corresponding control commands to the associated hardware elements to execute the instructions. The processor 101 can also transmit commands to control devices coupled to the computer unit 11A, such as the camera module 130, in accordance with the associated instructions. In addition, memory 103 is a computer readable medium that stores computer readable and/or computer executable data processed by processor 101. The Communication " Face 105 includes a serial interface, a parallel interface, and/or other types of interfaces, and can transmit and receive electronic, electromagnetic or optical signals carrying digital data strings. For example, the sfl interface 105 interacts with the communication medium 135 to transmit electronic image signals 15 and control commands related to image acquisition management. The hardware components of the computer unit 11 such as the processor 101, the memory 103, and the communication interface 1〇5 are established via the bus bar 107. In an embodiment, the memory 103 can include an application module 121 and a driver module 123. The application module 121 can include a user mode 20 program that can run in the foreground and interact with the user. The driver module 123 can include a core mode program that can run in the background and is invisible to the user. In one embodiment, the core mode program includes a stream type driver 125, a camera driver 127, and a device driver 129. The application module 121 and the driver module 123 can be executed by the processor ιοί. In an embodiment, the streaming class driver 125 can be provided by the operating system by 0605-TW-CH Spec+C!aim(fi!ed-20100709), doc 8 201204022 and as a user mode program and lower layer connected to the upper layer. The bridge of the core mode program. For example, if the user initiates a user mode video call function, the user mode program can issue an image request. Streaming class driver 125 receives the image request and invokes (5) camera driver 127 to activate camera module 13 in response to the image request. Camera driver 127 can be used to drive various types of image sensors. In one embodiment, even if the camera module 130 replaces the image sensor 131 with a different type of image sensor, the camera driver 127 can still recognize and configure the newly employed image sensor without updating. In other words, the camera driver 127 is a universal driver for various image sensors. In addition, camera driver 127 invokes device driver 129 to establish communication between communication interface 105 and communication medium 135, thereby enabling communication between computer unit 110 and image sensor 131. For example, the device driver 129 can be executed by the processor ιοί to detect/recognize signals from the 15 image sensor 131, such as digital original image signals, and translate the signals from the image sensor 131. Corresponding computer readable information. Additionally, device driver 129 can translate computer readable material (e.g., computer commands from computer unit 110) into sensor readable signals. In one embodiment, a device driver 129, such as a USB drive, can be provided by a 20 operating system. Advantageously, the 'camera driver 127 can support a variety of image sensors' thus making the camera system 1 more flexible and user friendly. Moreover, the camera module 130 eliminates the configuration of the eeprom. Therefore, the cost of the camera system 100 can be reduced. 25 is a block diagram of a driver module 123 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The components of the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 1 have similar functions. Figure 2 will be described in conjunction with Figure 1. In one embodiment, camera driver 127 also includes image tag 221, identification component 223 'configuration component 225, feature component 227, and image processing component 229. 5 Image slot 221 stores computer readable data sets associated with various image sensors. In one embodiment, each data set defines identification and configuration data associated with the corresponding image sensor. The identification data indicates the sensor type (or identity) of the corresponding image sensor. For example, the identification data of the image sensor 131 may include the identification value, one or more address 10 values, and the address number value as described in FIG. The address value indicates the address of the scratchpad 141. The address number value refers to the number of registers 141 that do not store the identification value. For example, if the identification value is 16 bits long, the identification value can be stored in two 8-bit registers. Therefore, the address value contains the address of two 8-bit scratchpads and the number of addresses is 2. In the following description, the identification value stored in the image file 221 is referred to as a 15 local δ line value, and the identification value stored in the register 141 is referred to as a far-end identification value. In an embodiment, the identification data of the image sensor 131 may also include a protocol value indicating a communication protocol (e.g., the pc protocol and the SCCB protocol) supported by the image sensor 131. The corresponding configuration data indicates operational parameters of the image sensor 131, such as resolution, brightness, contrast, exposure method, and exposure time. Advantageously, image file 221 can be updated to include an additional set of data associated with image sensors that are not known to computer unit 110. For example, a data set associated with a new image sensor can be written to image file 221 so that camera driver 127 can recognize the image sensors. Therefore, the camera driver 127 can be customized to support various arbitrary images. 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-201〇〇7〇9).doc 10 201204022 Sensor. The identification component 223 executed by the processor 101 can compare the remote identification value (eg, the remote identification value stored in the temporary storage 141) in the image sensor 131 with the local identification value included in the data set of the image file 121. . If the local identification value contained in any of the data sets matches the remote identification value, the image sensor 131 is recognized. More specifically, the identification component 223 includes a machine executable instruction code to obtain the remote identification value of the image sensor 131 (example) # according to the address value and the address number value included in the corresponding data set, and borrow The image sensor 131 is automatically identified by comparing the far-end identification value with the local identification value included in the corresponding data set 10. The configuration component 225 includes a machine executable instruction code to read the configuration data contained in the corresponding data set, and set the operation parameters of the image sensor 131 according to the corresponding configuration data. Image processing component 229 includes machine executable instruction code for digital image processing of digital image signals from 15 camera module 130. More specifically, the image processing component 229 can adjust image properties such as brightness, color, saturation by various different digital processing algorithms (eg, geometric transformation, color processing, image synthesis, image denoising, image enhancement, etc.). Degree, noise-signal ratio, etc. As a result, the digital raw image signal can be converted to a color corrected image having a standard image file format (for example, the J〇im Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) standard). In one embodiment, the data set stored in the image slot 221 can also define characteristic data indicative of image attributes, such as brightness, color, saturation, noise-to-signal ratio of the digital image signal. The characteristic component 227 includes a machine executable 25 to execute an instruction code to adjust image attributes of the digital image signal. If a request to adjust image attributes is issued using the 0605-TW-CHSpec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022 mode program, the feature element 227 can read the feature data from the image file 221 and adjust the image attributes accordingly. β In an embodiment, the camera driver 127 further includes a decision element 231 and an update element 233. The determining component 231 includes a machine executable instruction code to determine whether the communication between the video recording and the image sensing number 131 is successfully established. The update component 233 includes machine executable instruction code to update the image file 221 when the data set does not include identification data that matches the image sensor 131. ° 10 15 20 Figure 3 is a flow chart 300 of a method of controlling an image sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Although specific steps are disclosed in Figure 3, these steps are merely illustrative. That is, the present invention is suitable for performing other various steps or variations of the steps described in Fig. 3. Figure 3 will be described in conjunction with Figure 2 and Figure 2. In one embodiment, flowchart 300 can be implemented by computer executable instructions stored on a computer readable medium. In step 301, a user mode program, such as a video application, issues an image request. The streaming class driver 125 invokes the camera driver 127 to respond to the image request, and the camera driver 127 is thus loaded and processed by the processor 101 from the memory 1〇3 along with the image slot 221. The tasks programmed within the camera driver 127 are thus performed. These tasks will be described in detail in the following description of steps 303 to 321 . In step 303, the decision element 231 of the camera driver 127 determines whether the communication with the image sensor 131 is successfully established. For example, assume that the communication protocol supported by the image sensor 131 is i2C and the communication interface 105 interacts with the communication medium 135 using the USB protocol. When the communication medium 135 can only perform the protocol conversion from USB to SCCB, the image sensor B1 0605 -TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 12 25 201204022 Communication with communication media 135 cannot be successfully established. In this case, at step 305, the SCCB protocol is changed to the i2c protocol, and the communication medium 135 performs a protocol conversion from USB to I2C. As the communication protocol of step 305 changes, step 303 is again executed to determine that the communication has been successfully established. Thus, the communication protocol supported by the image sensor 131 is determined. Alternatively, at step 303, the agreed value of the identification data can be used as a default communication protocol within the communication establishment. That is, the first time the communication is established, the decision value 231 of the camera driver 127 sets the agreement value false # as the communication protocol. By using this protocol value as the default protocol, the probability of success in the 10th attempt to establish communication can be increased. In this way, the system efficiency is improved. At step 307, the identification material stored in the image file 221 is accessed. For the identification material of each data set, the recognition element 235 of the camera driver 丨 27 determines in step 309 whether or not an ID match is found. More specifically, the fetching component 237 of the camera driver 127 reads the far-end identification value of the image sensor 131 from the register 141 based on the address value and the address number value of the identification data. The recognition component 235 compares the far-end identification value of the image sensor 131 with the local identification value of the identification data to make the above determination. In an embodiment, the acquisition component 237 and the recognition component 235 constitute an identification component 223. If the remote identification value and the local identification value are the same, the ID match is found. In this case, the corresponding configuration material is read in step 313, and image sensor 131 is configured in step 315. If the matching of all the data sets in the image file 221 with the remote identification value does not find an ID match, then the image file 221 is updated in step 311 to increase the additional 25 data sets associated with the unknown image sensor. 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claitn(filed-20100709).doc 13 201204022 =3Π The image sensor 131 captures the light image and generates a digital image signal according to the configured parameters. In step 319, the digital image and image signals are processed to produce a color corrected image. In step 321, the color = corrected image (4) is difficult to stream 125 Wei (4) mode program, 5 for display. 4 is another block diagram of a driver module (2) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Elements labeled the same as in Figure 2 in Figure 4 have similar functions. Figure 4 will be described in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2. In the example of FIG. 4, camera driver 127 includes image file 221, identification component 223, configuration ίο component, property component 401, and encryption component 406. According to the description in Fig. 2, image file 221 can store a plurality of machine readable material sets associated with different image sensors, respectively. In one embodiment, each of the two data sets may include identification data, configuration data, and attribute data associated with one of the corresponding image sensors. The identification data indicates the identity of the corresponding image sensor. The identification component 223 includes a machine executable instruction code for accessing a data set in the image file 221 to identify the image sensor ι31. More specifically, the processor 1 executes the identification component 223 to compare the remote identification value in the image sensor 131 (eg, the remote identification value stored in the register 14i) and the image file 221 Information (for example: local knowledge 20 values). The image sensor 131 is identified if the local identification values in one of the data sets in the plurality of data sets match the remote identification values. In an embodiment, 'if the identification component 223 identifies the image sensor 131 and determines that the identification data in the data set DSET1 matches the image sensor 131, the image file 221 may store or update an index to indicate and image sensing 25 The address of the data set DSET1 matched by the device 131. Camera System 100 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(fiIed-20100709).doc \λ 201204022 Power may be removed or image sensor 131 may be unplugged (eg, pulled out by the user). When the camera system 1 is powered back on or an image sensor is reconnected to the computer unit 110, the identification component 223 can access the data set based on the index stored in the image file 221. More specifically, the identification component 5 223 may first access the data set DSET1, i.e., the data set that matches the image sensor coupled to the computer unit 110 in a previous boot (e.g., the last boot). The remote identification value (e.g., the far-end identification value stored in the temporary memory 141) and the identification data in the data set DSET1 can be compared by executing the identification component 223' processor 1〇1. . If the identification component 223 determines that the identification data in the data set DSET1 matches the image sensor 131 (eg, the image sensor 131 currently activated and the image sensor 131 in the previous startup have the same type), the configuration component 225 The image sensor 131 can be configured according to the configuration data in the data set DSET1. In this case, the 'identification element 223 may not need to access other data sets, and therefore, the efficiency of the camera system 100 can be improved. If the identification data in the data set DSET1 does not match the image sensor 131 (for example, the image sensor 131 currently in startup and the image sensor in the previous startup have different types), the identification component 223 can store 20 other The data set until the data set DSET2 associated with the image sensor 131 currently being activated is found, for example, the identification data in the data set DSET2 matches the image sensor 131. Additionally, the identification component 223 can update the index in the image file 221 to indicate the address of the corresponding data set DSET2. Thus, when the camera system 100 is next restarted, the identification component 223 can first access the data set DSET2 based on the updated index. 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022 The configuration data in the corresponding data set represents the operating parameters of the image sensor 131. In an embodiment, the configuration data in the corresponding data set represents a default or initial operating parameter of the image sensor 131. In an embodiment, the configuration component 225 includes a machine executable instruction code for reading configuration data from a corresponding data set (eg, DSET1 or DSET2) and setting the security parameters of the image sensor 131 according to the configuration data. For example, the value of the operating parameter is written to the corresponding register 141 according to the configuration data. The operational parameters configured by the configuration 7L 225 can determine different aspects of the image sensor 131 in operation. For example, 10 15 20 corresponding 1 stored in the register i4i are used as parameter mosquito exposures, for example, how much light the person hits the image sensor m. The corresponding operating parameters stored in the register 141 determine the duration of the exposure correction. The image sensor i3i can generate a digital image signal according to the configuration (4) of the operating parameters of the mirror image sensing unit 131. Different computer units', e.g., from different manufacturers, may require different configurations of image sensing n 131. In an embodiment, the configuration data may include multiple classes corresponding to multiple computer unit types, respectively. In one embodiment, the identification component 223 also includes a machine executable instruction code that is identifiable by reading a computer input/output system (BIOS) of the computer unit 110. In this way, the configuration component 2 corresponds to the __ of the computer unit llG, and the image sensor m is configured accordingly. More specifically, configuration component 225 can write the value of the selected class = the corresponding temporary state. The root sensor (4) can be used to configure the image sensor 131 to improve the photographic age S& Λ 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 25 201204022 The image sensor 131 can represent image sensing The perceptible attributes associated with the device 131. The properties of image sensor 131 may include 'but are not limited to image attributes (eg, brightness, contrast, color, grayscale, and saturation) and/or sensor attributes (eg, output image format and anti-flicker) 5 can). In one embodiment, the operational parameters in the register 141 determine the properties of the image sensor 131. For example, the operating parameters stored by some of the registers 141 may determine "brightness," image attributes. More specifically, with brightness weight values, φ gamma curves, exposure time, exposure method, aperture value, shutter speed, etc. The operating parameters of the 10 outputs determine the brightness of the digital image produced by the image sensor 131. In operation, the properties of the image sensor 131 can be adjusted by the user mode program. In one embodiment, if the user mode is programmed The attribute tab is reconfigured, for example, by the user, and the user module can modify the working parameters associated with the attribute tab to modify the corresponding attribute. For example, the image sensor 131 is adjusted. The brightness of the number φ bit image 'user mode program can modify the operating parameters of the image sensor 131 related to the brightness weight value, gamma curve, exposure time, exposure method, aperture value, shutter speed, etc. In an example, the attribute element 401 includes a machine executable instruction code 'for providing or updating a genus based on reconfigured or modified operational parameters. The reconfigured or modified operational parameters represent attributes of the user mode program adjusted image sensor 131. For example, the attribute data may include values of reconfigured or modified corresponding operational parameters. Alternatively, the attribute data may include The address of the memory 103, which is used to store the value of the corresponding operating parameter of the 0059-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022. The camera system may be powered off. Or the image sensor 131 is pulled out (eg, pulled out by the user). If the camera system 100 is re-powered or an image sensor is reconnected to the computer unit 110, the processor 5 101 can be identified and configured. The attribute element 401 is executed (for example, by configuring the image sensor with preset or initial operating parameters and/or according to the type of recognition of the computer unit 110). In an embodiment, the attribute element 401 further includes a machine executable instruction code for Accessing attribute data. Attribute data indicates the pre-priming process of the same type of image sensor (ie, when the image sensor of the same type is coupled The attribute adjusted in the previous activation of the camera system 100 when the computer unit 11 is turned on. Moreover, the attribute element 401 sets the attribute of the image sensor currently activated according to the attribute data. Thus, the user can automatically set according to the previous setting of the user. Adjusting the attributes is thus more convenient for the user. 15 The encryption component 406 includes machine executable instruction code for encrypting and decrypting the data set in the image file 221. For example, when the data set is stored in the image file 221, the encryption element 406 The data set is encrypted; when the data set is read from the image file 221, the encryption component 406 decrypts the data set. Thus, the security performance of the camera system 100 is improved. In one embodiment, the processor 1〇1玎2玎The row encryption element 4〇6 performs a hash operation and a symmetric encryption and decryption algorithm to encrypt and decrypt the data set. Advantageously, in one embodiment, the encryption component 406 can encrypt the configuration data and attribute data when the data set is stored in the image file 221 and can maintain the identification data unencrypted. Therefore, the corresponding identification data can be used to identify the image sensor 131 before the data set of the image file 221 is decrypted. More specific 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 201204022 In other words, if the corresponding identification data of a data set (for example: DSET3) matches the remote identification value of the image sensor 131, the data The configuration data and attribute data of DSET3 can be decrypted and used for image sensor configuration and property settings. If the identification data of the data set DSET3 and the image 5 sensor 131 do not match, the camera driver 127 retrieves other data sets without decrypting the configuration data and attribute data of the data set DSET3. In this way, the efficiency of the system is improved. FIG. 5 is a flowchart 300 of a method for controlling an image sensor according to an embodiment of the invention. Although specific steps are disclosed in Figure 5, these steps are merely exemplary. That is, the present invention is suitable for performing various other steps or variations of the steps in Fig. 5. Figure 5 will be described in conjunction with Figures 1, 2 and 4. In an embodiment, flowchart 500 can be implemented as machine executable instructions stored in a machine readable medium. In the previous startup of the camera system 100, the data set DSET1 including the identification data 15 DIDEN1, the configuration data Dc〇NF1, and the attribute data dPR0P1 is used to identify and configure the image sensor SPREVI〇us. For example: Identification Φ Data DiDEN 1 has a local identification value that matches the far-end identification value of the image sensor SpREVI0us. The configuration data DC0NF1 represents the operating parameters of the image sensor SpREVlOUS. The attribute data DPRpP1 indicates the attribute of the image sensor SpREVIOUS associated with the previous start 20. Thus, the image slot 221 can also store an index indicating the address of the data set DSET1. In an embodiment, the configuration data DC0NF1 and the attribute data DPR0P are encrypted data. Identification data Dideni is unencrypted material. In the example of Fig. 5, the image sensor ScURRENT that is engaged with the computer unit 110 in the current startup has the same type as the image sensing β SpreVIOUS that was previously activated. 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 19 25 201204022 In step 502, camera system 100 is activated. In one embodiment, the processor 101 loads the image file 221 stored in the memory 103 and executes the machine executable camera driver 127 in the memory 103. In step 504, the data set 5 DSET1 is accessed according to the index in the image file 221. In step 5〇6, the identification component 223 compares the identification data D1DEN1 with the remote identification value of the image sensor ScURRENT coupled to the computer unit 110 in the current startup. Since the image sensor SCURRENT and the image sensor SPREV丨0US have the same type, an identity match is found. Therefore, the image sensor SCURRENT is recognized. Advantageously, the identification component 223 1〇 may not need to retrieve other data sets in the image file 221, thus improving the efficiency of the camera system 100. In step 508, the encryption element 406 decrypts the configuration data DC0NF1 and the attribute data DPR0P1 in the data set DSET1. In step 510, configuration component 225 sets the operational parameters of image sensor sCURRENT 15 based on configuration data DC0NF. In an embodiment, the identification component 223 also identifies the type of computer unit 110. Therefore, the configuration component 225 can select one of the configuration data DC0NF1 corresponding to the type of the computer unit 110, and configure the image sensor S CURRENT 0 accordingly. In step 512, the attribute element 401 is set according to the attribute data dPROPi. The properties of the image sensor ScURRENT. Therefore, the properties of the image sensor ScURRENT can be adjusted to match the properties of the image sensing SpREVIOUS, which is more convenient for the user. For example, if the attribute data DPR0P丨 indicates that the user mode program adjusts the brightness to level 2 according to the user's needs during the last startup, the brightness can be automatically adjusted to level 2 during the current startup. In step 514, if the user mode program continues to adjust the attributes of the 0605-TW-CH Spec+CIaim (fi led-20100709).doc 20 201204022 image sensor sCURRENT according to the user's needs, the attribute element 4〇ι can be The attribute data dPR0P1 is updated to indicate the attributes adjusted by the user mode program. For example, if the user mode program adjusts the saturation to level j during the current startup, the attribute element 401 may update the attribute data D p R . p i to indicate brightness level 2 and 5 saturation level 1. Figure 6 is a flow diagram 600 of a method of controlling an image sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Although specific steps are disclosed in Figure 6, these steps are merely exemplary. That is, the present invention is suitable for performing various other steps or variations of the steps in Fig. 6. Figure 6 will be described in conjunction with Figure i, Figure 4 and Figure 5B. In an embodiment, flowchart 000 can be implemented as machine executable instructions stored in a machine readable medium. In the previous startup of the camera system 100, the data set DSET1 including the identification data Di_i, the configuration data DC0NF1, and the attribute data dprop1 is used to identify and configure the image sensor? pREvi〇us. Thus, the image 15 file 221 can also store an index indicating the address of the data set DSET1. In the example of Fig. 6, the image sensing φ unit SCURRENT coupled to the computer unit 11 目前 in the current startup and the image sensor SPREVI 〇us in the previous startup have different types. In step 602, the camera system 1 is activated. In step 6〇4, 20 accesses the data set DSET1 according to the index in the image file 221. In step 606, the identification component 223 compares the identification data DiD$ni with the remote identification value of the image sensor SCURRENT that is lightly coupled to the computer unit 11〇 during the current activation. Since the image sensor ScURRENT and the image sensor SpREVIOUS have different types, no ID match is found. In step 608, the other data sets in the image file 221 are retrieved until 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 21 201204022
找到資料集DSET2，其中’資料集DSET2具有與影像感 測器SCURRENT的遠端識別值相匹配的識別資料DiDEN2。資 料集DSET2還包括配置資料Dc〇nf2和屬性資料Dpr〇p2。 屬性資料DPR〇P2表示在照相機系統1〇〇的前一次啟動中耦 5 合於電腦單元110的影像感測器SCURRENT或與SCURRENT相 同類型的影像感測器的屬性。在一實施例中，配置資料 Dc〇NF2和屬性資料Dpr〇P2是加密資料，識別資料D IDEN2 是 未加密資料。 在步驟610中，更新影像檔221中的索引以表示資料 ίο 集DSET2的位址。在步驟612中，加密元件406解密資 料集DSET2中的配置資料DC0NF2和屬性資料DPR0P2。在 步驟614中，配置元件225根據配置資料DCONF2設置影像 感測器ScURRENT的工作參數。 在步驟616中，屬性元件401根據屬性資料DPR0P2S I5 疋影像感測器ScURRENT的屬性。在步驟618中，如果使用 者模式程式根據使用者需求繼續調節影像感測器scurrent 的屬性’屬性元件401可更新屬性資料dPR0P2以表示使用 者模式程式所調節的屬性。 總之’根據本發明的實施例提供了可根據前一次啟動 20 的識別資訊識別影像感測器的照相機系統。此外，可根據 耦合於影像感測器的電腦單元的類型配置影像感測器，如 此，可提高照相機系統的性能。此外，照相機系統可根據 前一次啟動中的設置來配置影像感測器。因此，與前一次 啟動相關的影像採集和影像呈現在照相機系統的目前啟 25 動中也能夠被迅速採用，並且使用者不用在每一次啟動中 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 22 201204022 都對影像感測器進行相對複雜的設置，如此，對使用者更 為方便。 上文具體實施模式和附圖僅為本發明之常用實施 例。顯然’在不脫離申請專利範圍所界定的本發明精神和 5 發明範圍的前提下可以有各種增補、修改和替換。本技術 領域中具有通常知識者應該理解，本發明在實際應用中可 根據具體的環境和工作要求在不背離發明準則的前提下 在形式、架構、佈局、比例、材料、元素、元件及其它方 面有所變化。因此，在此彼露之實施例僅用於說明而非限 10 制’本發明之範圍由後附申請專利範圍及其合法等效物界 定，而不限於先前之描述。 【圖式簡單說明】 透過對本發明的實施例及結合其所附圖式的描述，可 15 以進一步理解本發明的目的、具體架構特徵和優點。 圖1所示為根據本發明一實施例的照相機系統的方塊 圖。 圖2所示為根據本發明一實施例的驅動器模組的方塊 圖。 20 圖3所示為根據本發明一實施例.的控制影像感測器的 方法流程圖。 圖4所示為根據本發明一實施例的驅動器模組的另一 方塊圖。 圖5所示為根據本發明一實施例的控制影像感測器的 25 另一方法流程圖。 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claitn(f,led-20100709).doc Ji 201204022 圖6所示為根據本發明一實施例的控制影像感測器的 又一方法流程圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 5 100:照相機系統 101 :處理器 103 :記憶體 105 :通訊介面 107 :匯流排 ίο 110 :電腦單元 121 :應用程式模組 123 :驅動器模組 125 :串流類驅動器 127 :照相機驅動器 15 129:裝置驅動器 130 :照相機模組 131 :影像感測器 133 :鏡頭 135 :通訊媒體 20 137 :暫存器介面 139 :光敏感區域 141 :暫存器 221 :影像檔 223 :識別元件 25 2 2 5:配置元件 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 24 201204022 227 :特性元件 229 :影像處理元件 231 :判定元件 233 :更新元件 5 235 :辨認元件 237 :取得元件 300 :流程圖 302〜321 :步驟 φ 401:屬性元件 ίο 406 :加密元件 500 :流程圖 502〜514 :步驟 600 :流程圖 602〜618 :步驟 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 25The data set DSET2 is found, where the 'data set DSET2 has the identification data DiDEN2 that matches the far-end identification value of the image sensor SCURRENT. The data set DSET2 also includes configuration data Dc〇nf2 and attribute data Dpr〇p2. The attribute data DPR〇P2 indicates the properties of the image sensor SCURRENT coupled to the computer unit 110 or the same type of image sensor as SCURRENT in the previous startup of the camera system 1〇〇. In one embodiment, the configuration data Dc〇NF2 and the attribute data Dpr〇P2 are encrypted data, and the identification data D IDEN2 is unencrypted data. In step 610, the index in image file 221 is updated to indicate the address of data ίο DSET2. In step 612, the encryption component 406 decrypts the configuration data DC0NF2 and the attribute data DPR0P2 in the data set DSET2. In step 614, configuration component 225 sets the operational parameters of image sensor ScURRENT based on configuration data DCONF2. In step 616, the attribute element 401 is based on the attribute of the attribute data DPR0P2S I5 疋 image sensor ScURRENT. In step 618, if the user mode program continues to adjust the attribute of the image sensor scurrent according to the user's needs, the attribute element 401 may update the attribute data dPR0P2 to indicate the attribute adjusted by the user mode program. In summary, a camera system that can identify an image sensor based on the identification information of the previous activation 20 is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the image sensor can be configured according to the type of computer unit coupled to the image sensor, thereby improving the performance of the camera system. In addition, the camera system can configure the image sensor according to the settings in the previous startup. Therefore, the image acquisition and image presentation related to the previous startup can be quickly adopted in the current activation of the camera system, and the user does not need to use 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim (filed-20100709) in each startup. .doc 22 201204022 Both make relatively complex settings for the image sensor, which is more convenient for the user. The above detailed implementation modes and drawings are merely common embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent that various additions, modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be applied in the form of the form, the structure, the arrangement, the ratio, the materials, the elements, the Changed. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is to be construed as being limited by the scope of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects, specific architectural features and advantages of the present invention will be further understood by the description of the embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings. 1 is a block diagram of a camera system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram of a driver module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 20 is a flow chart of a method of controlling an image sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is another block diagram of a driver module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing another method of controlling an image sensor 25 according to an embodiment of the invention. 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claitn(f, led-20100709).doc Ji 201204022 FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing still another method of controlling an image sensor according to an embodiment of the invention. [Main component symbol description] 5 100: Camera system 101: Processor 103: Memory 105: Communication interface 107: Bus ίο 110: Computer unit 121: Application module 123: Driver module 125: Streaming class driver 127 : Camera driver 15 129: Device driver 130: Camera module 131: Image sensor 133: Lens 135: Communication medium 20 137: Register interface 139: Light sensitive area 141: Register 221: Image file 223: Identification Element 25 2 2 5: Configuration element 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709).doc 24 201204022 227: Characteristic element 229: Image processing element 231: Decision element 233: Update element 5 235: Identification element 237: Acquired Element 300: Flowcharts 302-321: Step φ 401: Attribute Element ίο 406: Encryption Element 500: Flowchart 502~514: Step 600: Flowchart 602~618: Step 0605-TW-CH Spec+Claim(filed-20100709 ).doc 25