Dedicated Image Processor ASIC for Mobile Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices face battery life issues due to the high power consumption of image processing tasks, which are typically handled by the application processor, leading to reduced performance and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is integrated into mobile devices to offload image and machine vision processing tasks from the application processor, utilizing lower power consumption and lower speed buses for efficient processing of image data from multiple cameras, allowing the application processor to remain in standby mode unless specific events require further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If image processing is handled by the application processor, then processing capability is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing function by introducing a dedicated image processing unit separate from the application processor. This unit is specifically designed to handle image data from multiple cameras, performing processing tasks independently to reduce the computational burden on the application processor and thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated image processing unit acts as an intermediary between the cameras and the application processor. It receives image data from the cameras, performs necessary processing operations, and then transmits processed information to the application processor, thereby reducing the power consumption of the application processor while maintaining system processing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are integrated into mobile devices, then imaging capabilities are enhanced, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing task by introducing a dedicated image processing unit that handles image data from multiple cameras independently. This allows the system to process images from multiple cameras without requiring the application processor to remain active, thereby extending battery life while maintaining enhanced imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated image processing unit performs self-contained processing operations on image data from multiple cameras without continuously requiring the application processor. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain enhanced imaging capabilities while significantly reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
3Productivity
If application processor remains active for continuous image processing, then processing performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing function by introducing a dedicated image processing unit that can operate independently. This allows the application processor to enter standby mode while the dedicated unit continues to process images from multiple cameras, thereby maintaining processing performance while significantly reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated image processing unit serves as an intermediary that maintains processing performance during application processor standby. It receives image data from cameras, performs processing operations, and communicates with the application processor only when necessary, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining processing performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A dedicated application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is described that can be integrated into a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet computer). The dedicated ASIC can provide an embedded low-power micro-controller to offload machine vision processing and other image processing from an application processor (AP) of the mobile device. Effectively, the offloading of image processing can enable the mobile device to save battery life and improve performance by utilizing lower speed buses and lower power consumption than would otherwise be consumed if the AP were to be utilized. In various embodiments, the ASIC can be used to either connect a single camera or multiple synchronized cameras depending on the application.