Parallel Image Data Storage via FPGA Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern camera systems face challenges in processing and storing large amounts of image data generated by high-resolution image sensors, which can overwhelm their limited processing and storage capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device that receives image data from an image sensor, compresses it, and saves the compressed data in a storage medium while also exporting it to a second storage medium via a data communication interface, enabling parallel data processing and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If image data is stored in a single storage medium, then the storage system is simple, but the handling capacity is insufficient for large data volumes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling capacityVSAvoidstorage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage system into multiple storage mediums (first storage medium and second storage medium) to handle large volumes of image data. The processing device distributes data across these separate storage units, increasing overall handling capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimension storage approach to a multi-dimensional storage architecture by introducing parallel storage paths. Data flows simultaneously to multiple storage mediums through different interfaces, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the storage system that expands handling capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If image data is compressed before storage, then storage efficiency improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies compression as a preliminary action before data is written to storage mediums. The processing device compresses image data in advance, reducing the volume of data that needs to be stored and transmitted, thereby improving storage efficiency while managing processing time through optimized compression algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image signal processor as an intermediary component between the processing device and storage mediums. This intermediary handles the compression operation, separating the compression function from the main processing flow and enabling efficient data reduction without bottlenecking the overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If parallel data processing is implemented, then handling capacity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling capacityVSAvoidprocessing architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing architecture into distinct functional components: a processing device for data reception and initial processing, an image signal processor for compression, and multiple storage mediums for data storage. This segmentation enables parallel operation of these components, increasing handling capacity while keeping each individual component relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing data reception, preliminary processing, and data distribution to multiple storage mediums simultaneously. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple tasks in parallel, increasing overall handling capacity without proportionally increasing the number of separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9918061B2System and method for storing image data in parallel in a camera system
Publication Date: 2018.03.13 SZ DJI TECH CO LTD
  • US9918061B2 patent drawing
  • US9918061B2 patent drawing
  • US9918061B2 patent drawing

AI summary

System and method can support an image signal processing apparatus, such as a camera system. The image signal processing apparatus includes a processing device, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, which operates to receive one or more image data from an image sensor via an image data interface. The processing device can forward the received one or more image data to an image signal processor, wherein said image signal processor operates to compress the received one or more image data and save the compressed image data in a first storage medium. Furthermore, the processing device can export the received one or more image data to a second storage medium via a data communication interface.