Dynamic Image Processing Block for Video Time Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital video processing systems utilize separate, fixed image processing blocks, leading to redundancy, increased cost, reduced image quality, and processing inefficiencies due to sequential processing and potential counteraction of enhancements, especially in high definition television applications.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic image processing system that uses dynamically controllable processing blocks, where classification and processing tag data are associated with pixels to adjust processing operations in real-time, allowing for granular control of de-interlacing, interpolation, and color processing, and enabling sharing of processing time between stages or frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate and independent fixed image processing blocks are used, then processing functions are provided, but redundancy increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing function coverageVSAvoidredundancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single image processing block is designed to perform multiple processing functions (de-interlacing, scaling, noise filtering, sharpness enhancement) that were previously required separate dedicated blocks. The block dynamically adapts its processing mode based on input characteristics, eliminating redundancy while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing block transitions from fixed, static processing to dynamic, adaptive processing. The block changes its processing parameters and methods in real-time based on classification tag data and pixel characteristics, allowing one block to replace multiple fixed blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate and independent fixed image processing blocks are used, then processing functions are provided, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing function coverageVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple processing functions into a single reconfigurable block, the system reduces the total number of components required, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple separate processing blocks are merged into one unified image processing block that handles de-interlacing, scaling, filtering, and enhancement functions, reducing component count and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If sequential processing through stages is used, then processing is performed, but processing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The processing architecture transitions from rigid sequential stages to a dynamic single-block design that can process pixels continuously without stage transitions, reducing processing time and improving throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single image processing block enables continuous processing of pixel data without the interruptions and data transfers between separate stages, maintaining productive action throughout the processing pipeline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If separate fixed processing blocks are used, then processing is performed, but image quality is reduced due to counteraction of enhancements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality consistencyVSAvoidprocessing coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A single processing block coordinates all enhancement operations internally, ensuring that de-interlacing, scaling, filtering, and sharpness enhancements work together synergistically rather than counteracting each other as in separate blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing block uses classification tag data and pixel characteristics to dynamically adjust processing parameters, ensuring that enhancements are applied in the correct sequence and intensity to maintain image quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7760968B2Video image processing with processing time allocation

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods that track overall time for processing operations such that the processing time can be shared among the resources in an efficient manner. Processing time can be shifted to image processing where the time will provide the most benefit to image quality. Moreover, access time from one process is banked to be used by a subsequent process or on a subsequent group of pixels.This document also discusses, among other things, systems and methods that provide additional processing power on an as needed basis. In an example, a processing stage and its controller are outside the normal pixel processing flow path. When it is determined that additional processing is required, the processing stage and its controller are activated to perform the additional processing.This document further discusses, among other things, systems and methods that provide parallel processing in a processing stage such that the data can flow internal to the controller linked to the processing stage and data can flow globally.