Camera Core Block Transfer for Low Power Video Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video systems face power consumption issues due to the need for external memory and application processors to offload and retrieve video frames, as the camera core lacks sufficient storage capacity and handshaking functions to directly transfer frames to the VCODEC, leading to high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the camera core transfers images in blocks to a downstream processing engine with direct handshake signals over a direct handshaking path, allowing for concurrent storage in the camera core or local memory, reducing the need for external memory and application processor involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If video frames are offloaded to external memory and retrieved by application processor, then video frame buffering capability is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the video frame buffering function from external memory and relocates it to internal memory within the video circuit. This allows the camera core to transfer video frames directly to the VCODEC without involving external memory and application processor, thereby achieving frame buffering capability while significantly reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an internal memory as an intermediary component between the camera core and VCODEC. This internal memory acts as a buffer that enables direct transfer of video frames within the video circuit, eliminating the need for external memory operations and reducing system power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If camera core directly transfers video frames to VCODEC, then power consumption is reduced, but insufficient storage capacity and handshaking functions prevent direct transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video frame transfer process into block-based transfers controlled by handshaking signals. The camera core divides video frames into blocks and transfers them to internal memory in a controlled manner using handshaking protocols, enabling direct transfer capability while managing limited storage resources efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service handshaking functionality within the video circuit, where the camera core and VCODEC autonomously coordinate transfers using direct handshaking signals. This eliminates the need for external application processor control, reducing power consumption while providing the necessary control functionality.
3Quantity of substance
If external memory is used for video frame buffering, then adequate storage capacity is provided, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the video frame buffering function with the internal memory of the video circuit, combining storage and processing functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate external memory operations, reducing system architecture complexity while providing adequate buffering capacity for video frame processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image divided into N pixel blocks, stored block wise in a camera core and transferred block wise from the camera core to a downstream processing engine local to the local memory. A direct handshaking is communicated, between the camera core and the downstream processing engine, in the block wise transfers. Optionally an optical sensor scanner divides the image with a scan rate N times a frame rate, each scan providing a block of the frame. Optionally, the block wise transfer includes a transfer through a local memory, local to the camera core, controlled by the direct handshaking.