Network Camera Image Processing Unit Time-Multiplexed Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses face challenges in providing multiple services with varying image processing requests in real-time due to limitations in processing units, particularly in network cameras that require rapid image processing without dropping frames.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with an image capturing unit, development unit, image processing unit, and network communication unit, which performs multiple image processing operations and sends processed time-varying image data onto a network within one picture period, utilizing a control unit to manage and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple encoding processing units are implemented to respond to multiple image processing requests, then the service content and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and hardware resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where a single encoding processing unit alternates between serving different users in discrete time slots. The control unit schedules encoding operations for multiple users sequentially within each picture period, allowing one processing unit to handle multiple service requests through time-based partitioning rather than requiring parallel hardware units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic scheduling mechanisms where the control unit adaptively allocates processing resources based on real-time service requests and picture period timing. The system dynamically adjusts which user's image data is processed in each time slot, enabling a single processing unit to serve multiple users with varying demands without fixed hardware allocation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of processing units is increased to provide multiple services, then the service capability is improved, but the board/chip area and heat value increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple encoding processing functions into a single encoding processing unit that operates sequentially for different users. Instead of having separate encoding units for each user, the system combines all encoding operations into one shared resource that is time-multiplexed across multiple users, significantly reducing the required board/chip area while maintaining service capability for multiple users.
Solution Approach 2:
The single encoding processing unit is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of handling encoding requests from any number of users by switching between them within each picture period. This universal processing unit replaces multiple dedicated units, reducing hardware footprint while providing the same service capability through flexible resource sharing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image processing operations are performed in parallel by DSP using time-sharing, then various users' requests are accommodated, but the processing completion within one picture period is not assured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent structures image processing operations around the periodic picture period timeline, dividing each picture period into discrete time slots assigned to different users. This periodic scheduling ensures that the total processing time for all users' requests does not exceed the picture period duration, guaranteeing processing completion while accommodating multiple users' diverse requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary scheduling and allocation of processing tasks before each picture period begins. By pre-determining which user's data will be processed in each time slot and preparing the encoding parameters in advance, the system ensures that processing can proceed efficiently without delays, guaranteeing completion within the picture period constraint.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus that provides multiple services for users who issue various requests on a network, while maintaining the real-time nature of the apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a developing unit for developing image data to time-varying image data, an image processing unit for performing image processing of the time-varying image data, a network interface for sending out the time-varying image data processed by the image processing unit onto a network, and a network control unit for controlling the time-varying image data for which multiple different image processing operations have been performed by the image processing unit, to be outputted to the network interface within one picture period.