Dynamic Video Image Processing Blocks for Remote Diagnosis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital video processing systems suffer from redundancy, high cost, reduced image quality, and processing inefficiencies due to fixed, independent image processing blocks that can counteract enhancements and lead to error magnification, making diagnosis and debugging difficult and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A digital video image processing system with dynamically controllable blocks that use classification and processing tag data to dynamically tune image processing operations, allowing for real-time adjustments and feedback within a processing pipeline, enabling efficient and flexible image processing and diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate and independent fixed image processing blocks are used, then each block can perform its specific function, but redundancy increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing functionVSAvoidredundancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal image processing block that can dynamically perform multiple different image processing functions through reconfigurable processing elements. Instead of having separate fixed blocks for de-interlacing, scaling, and other functions, a single block can be dynamically configured to perform any of these functions based on real-time requirements, thereby eliminating redundancy while maintaining all necessary processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of processing elements within the image processing block. The system can adaptively change the function and parameters of processing elements in real-time based on input characteristics and processing requirements, allowing the same hardware to efficiently handle different image processing tasks without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate and independent fixed image processing blocks are used, then each block can perform its specific function, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing functionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple separate image processing functions into a single integrated processing block. By combining de-interlacing, scaling, and other image processing functions into one reconfigurable block, the system reduces the total number of processing elements required, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive image processing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If pixel data is passed between stages, then processing can be sequential, but processing enhancements may be counteracted and error magnification occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where processing tag data from downstream stages is fed back to upstream stages. This allows downstream processing results to influence upstream processing decisions, ensuring that enhancements are preserved and errors are corrected rather than magnified. The feedback loop enables coordinated processing across all stages, maintaining image quality while achieving processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces processing tag data as an intermediary between processing stages. These tags carry information about processing enhancements and characteristics that are passed along the processing pipeline, allowing each stage to be aware of and coordinate with the processing performed by other stages, thereby preventing counteraction of enhancements and error magnification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If fixed image processing blocks are used, then the system structure is simple, but additional targeted processing cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidprocessing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes to enable different processing functions within the same hardware block. By dynamically adjusting processing parameters such as filter coefficients, processing modes, and operational characteristics, the system can perform targeted processing operations as needed while maintaining a relatively simple underlying system structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

5Reliability

If large multiple silicon implementations are used, then functional redundancy is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional redundancyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a time-multiplexed approach where processing elements are dynamically allocated to different functions based on real-time needs. Processing elements can be discarded from one function and recovered for use in another function, achieving functional redundancy through time rather than through simultaneous multiple implementations, thereby reducing overall cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS7889233B2Video image processing with remote diagnosis and programmable scripting

Publication Date: 2011.02.15 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for receiving a local input video signal, processing the video signal, and providing a processed video signal to a local digital television display panel. A communications port includes an Ethernet or other communications network connector for allowing access to the video signal processing system by a remote device. This allows a remote user to remotely diagnose, debug, and even modify operation of the video signal processing system. In certain examples, this involves downloading a Lua script that can take partial or complete control over operation of the video signal processing system from resident instruction code. In certain examples, the video signal processing system includes pipelined image analysis or processing stages. Video signal data intermediate to such processing, or the processed video signal being provided to the local display can be communicated to the remote user.