Buffer Module Memory Space Allocation for Multi-Processor Image Data Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In image processing devices using multiple processors, existing methods for transferring image data across different memory spaces lead to inefficiencies and decreased processing speed due to unnecessary data transfers and complex memory management.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device with multiple image processing modules and buffer modules that manage memory spaces corresponding to each processor, allowing for efficient data transfer by reserving buffers in the appropriate memory spaces and using resource management to optimize memory allocation and access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If image data is transferred between different memory spaces corresponding to different processors, then image processing can be performed using multiple processors, but unnecessary data transfers occur and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-processor capabilityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer module serves as an intermediary between image processing modules using different processors. It includes a first buffer for the first processor's memory space and a second buffer for the second processor's memory space, enabling efficient data transfer without unnecessary transfers to the wrong memory space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of memory space allocation by dynamically allocating buffers to specific processors' memory spaces based on which processor will use the data. This prevents unnecessary data transfers by ensuring data is placed in the correct memory space from the beginning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple processors use common or different memory spaces, then processing capacity is improved, but memory management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing capacityVSAvoidmemory management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory management system is segmented into processor-specific memory spaces, with each processor having its own designated memory space. The buffer module is divided into separate buffers (first buffer, second buffer) corresponding to each processor's memory space, simplifying management by preventing cross-contamination and reducing allocation errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each buffer is automatically associated with the appropriate processor's memory space through the buffer control section, which manages allocation based on processor identification. This self-service mechanism reduces the complexity of manual memory management across multiple processors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9064324B2Image processing device, image processing method, and recording medium on which an image processing program is recorded

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An image processing device, in a case in which an image processing module, uses in image processing a processor that is different than a processor used in image processing by an image processing module of a preceding stage, is connected at a subsequent stage, carries out transfer processing that transfers image data, that has been written into a buffer by the image processing module of the preceding stage, to a buffer for transfer that is reserved in a memory space corresponding to the processor that the image processing module of the subsequent stage uses in image processing, and carries out processing that causes the image processing module of the subsequent stage to read-out the image data transferred to the buffer for transfer.