Autonomous Image Processing Units for Moving Vehicle Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing omnidirectional image display systems experience a decline in processing speed due to interruptions caused by the CPU waiting for completion signals from image processing modules, leading to inefficiencies in generating and displaying omnidirectional images.

Innovation Solution

An image generation system that includes an acquisition unit, a first processing unit, and a second processing unit, which perform image processing and recognition processing in synchronization without relying on CPU instructions, allowing for continuous operation and reducing processing delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the CPU performs interruption processing in response to TRAP instructions from image processing modules, then the system can maintain coordinated processing between multiple modules, but the CPU's processing speed declines due to repeated interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordinated processingVSAvoidCPU processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides processing into two segments: image processing modules operate autonomously using hardware resources (DMA controllers, display list buffers) while the CPU handles high-level omnidirectional image generation. This segmentation allows the CPU to avoid frequent interruptions for routine distortion correction tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary hardware components (display list buffers, DMA controllers) that mediate between image processing modules and the CPU. These intermediaries handle data transfer and coordination autonomously, reducing the need for CPU intervention and thereby minimizing interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the CPU waits for completion signals from image processing modules before proceeding, then processing accuracy can be maintained, but processing delays occur reducing overall system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing display lists in display list buffers before image processing begins. This allows image processing modules to operate autonomously without requiring real-time CPU instructions, eliminating waiting periods while ensuring processing accuracy through pre-configured parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing image processing modules to operate continuously without CPU interruptions. The CPU generates omnidirectional images continuously from completed distortion-corrected images, while image processing modules continuously process new frames autonomously, maintaining system throughput without delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10965866B2Image generation system, image display system, image generation method, and moving vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYST CO LTD

AI summary

An image generation system according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a first processing unit, and a second processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires first image data. The first processing unit generates second image data by subjecting the first image data, acquired by the acquisition unit, to a predetermined type of image processing. The second processing unit performs recognition processing on the second image data. The first processing unit and the second processing unit perform their respective processing in synchronization with each other without depending on an instruction from a processor.