Reconfigurable FPGA Logic Blocks for Dynamic ISP Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems are limited to a single specific purpose and require hardware replacement to change image signal processing (ISP) settings, as ISP functions are fixed during the initial production process, making it impossible to remotely reconfigure or update these settings without replacing the hardware.

Innovation Solution

A camera system with a reconfigurable logic block, specifically a field programmable gate array (FPGA) integrated circuit, that allows for remote updating or changing of ISP functions by receiving and processing information about logic blocks, enabling the camera to switch between different ISP functions for various uses, such as general purpose, CCTV, or thermal imaging, without the need for hardware replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If ISP functions are fixed during initial production process, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveISP function configuration accuracyVSAvoidISP function reconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static ISP function configuration into a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The FPGA-based logic blocks allow ISP functions to be updated and changed after the camera is manufactured, enabling the system to adapt to different applications (CCTV, thermal imaging, general purpose) without hardware replacement, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the ISP function parameters to be modified through software updates to the FPGA logic blocks. This enables changing the processing characteristics (e.g., image quality, color correction, noise reduction parameters) without physical hardware modification, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving functional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardware is replaced to change ISP settings, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveISP function changeabilityVSAvoidhardware replacement requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a software-based copy of the ISP function configuration that can be loaded into the FPGA logic blocks. Instead of physically replacing hardware components, the system copies the desired ISP settings into the reconfigurable logic, simplifying the device while maintaining high adaptability across different camera applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single camera hardware platform that can serve multiple functions (CCTV monitoring, thermal imaging, general photography) through the reconfigurable FPGA logic blocks. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate hardware systems for different applications, reducing overall device complexity while improving adaptability.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If reconfigurable logic blocks are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogic block reconfigurabilityVSAvoidFPGA integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the reconfigurable logic blocks directly into the camera's existing hardware architecture, combining the ISP processing functions with the camera sensor and processing pipeline. This unified integration approach enables adaptability through software reconfiguration while minimizing the increase in device complexity by leveraging existing hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9077887B2Camera having reconfigurable logic blocks in integrated circuit embedded thereon and system having the camera
Publication Date: 2015.07.07 HANWHA VISION CO LTD
  • US9077887B2 patent drawing
  • US9077887B2 patent drawing
  • US9077887B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera having a reconfigurable logic block and a method for reconfiguring the logic block are provided. The camera includes: an integrated circuit (IC) such as field programmable gate array (FPGA) including at least one logic block; and a processor configured to receive information about the logic block of the IC, and transmit the information about the logic block to the IC to update at least one existing signal processing (ISP) function recorded in the IC or change the existing ISP function to another at least one ISP function for a different use according to the information about the logic block, wherein each of the existing ISP function and the other ISP function is used to process an image signal obtained by the camera.