Cache-Based Warp Engine for Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image warping technologies are costly and time-consuming, particularly when performing geometry transformations, panorama generation, and blending of images, due to their reliance on expensive cache-based systems that do not efficiently support multiple image formats.
Innovation Solution
A cache-based WARP engine that utilizes SRAM for cache memory to store input image data, allowing for rapid access and processing of images, while supporting multiple image formats such as RGB888, YUV422, and NV12, and performing distortion correction, geometry transformations, panorama generation, and image blending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cache-based system is used for image warping, then processing speed is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential cache functionality needed for image warping by implementing a simplified cache structure that stores only the necessary pixel data and transformation parameters, rather than a full-featured cache system. This reduces device complexity while maintaining processing speed benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a small, inexpensive cache memory that is periodically refreshed with new data rather than relying on large, expensive permanent storage. This approach maintains high processing speed while significantly reducing device cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image formats are supported, then adaptability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal image warping engine that handles multiple image formats (RGB, YUV, grayscale) through a single unified processing pipeline. The system automatically detects and adapts to the input format without requiring separate processing paths, thereby improving adaptability while keeping processing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages multiple image formats by dynamically adjusting processing parameters such as pixel layout, color space conversion factors, and memory access patterns based on the detected input format. This allows the system to support diverse formats without duplicating the entire processing architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If distortion correction and geometry transformations are performed, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of transformation parameters and pre-processes reference pixel data before the actual warping operation. By preparing transformation matrices and caching reference data in advance, the system achieves high-quality distortion correction and geometry transformations with reduced real-time processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the image warping process into independent segments: coordinate transformation, pixel sampling, interpolation, and color correction. Each segment can be processed independently and in parallel where possible, maintaining high image quality while reducing overall processing time through efficient task distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an image warping system capable of quickly performing image warping with low costs by using a cache memory, and a method thereof. The image warping system is provided to generate a transformed image by warping an input image with the help of a cache based WARP engine. The WARP engine accesses the input image and loads a portion of the image to the cache memory for speeding up the engine process. The WARP engine performs interpolation on the input image to generate an output image which is devoid of distortions. The output image obtained is then stored in the DDR of an electronic device.