Cache Memory Data Transfer for Image Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image processing apparatuses face reduced processing speed due to low transfer speed of image data from storage to distortion correction units, which is exacerbated by inefficient data transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A data transfer apparatus utilizing a cache memory with faster data writing and reading capabilities, where image data is stored in classified regions and transferred in a horizontal direction, with reading control mechanisms determining if data is stored in the cache or not, and unstored data is read from storage, and stored with changed destinations for each pixel row, enhancing transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image data is read from the image data storing portion using a DMAC in response to a transfer request, then the system can transfer image data from storage to the distortion correcting portion, but the transfer speed is low and the processing speed of distortion correction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cache memory stores image data in advance before it is requested by the distortion correcting portion. When image data is captured by the image pickup device, it is stored in the cache memory's storing portion first, so that when a transfer request is made, the data is already available in high-speed cache memory rather than being read from slower storage medium at the moment of need.
Solution Approach 2:
The cache memory acts as an intermediary between the image data storing portion and the distortion correcting portion. It receives image data from the storage medium and provides it to the distortion correcting portion at high speed, mediating the data transfer and isolating the slow storage medium from the fast processing unit.
2Speed
If image data is stored in a cache memory with classified storage regions, then the transfer speed increases due to efficient data organization, but the device complexity increases with multiple storage regions and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cache memory's storing portion is divided into multiple classified storage regions (first through fourth regions). Each region stores image data for specific pixel row ranges, allowing parallel access and reducing conflicts. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple pixel rows simultaneously without contention, improving transfer speed while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by classifying storage regions based on pixel row number ranges. Instead of a single linear storage space, the cache memory uses multi-dimensional classification (region number, pixel row range, data source), enabling more efficient data retrieval and reducing access conflicts through spatial distribution of data across multiple dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A data transfer apparatus includes a cache memory having a storing portion for writing and reading data at a higher speed than an image data storing portion which stores image data GD of an input image, and data transfer request means for outputting, to the cache memory, a transfer request for image data in a certain region of the input image. The cache memory reads unstored image data from the image data storing portion beyond a reading region corresponding to a transfer request every pixel row if image data in a pixel row included in the reading region is not stored in the storing portion of the cache memory. Moreover, the data transfer request means sequentially gives, in arrangement order in a horizontal direction of an input image, a transfer request for image data in each of reading regions arranged in the horizontal direction.