Image Processing Simulation Testing With Hardware–Software Pixel Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
During IC design, there is a discrepancy between software and hardware execution of image processing algorithms due to hardware limitations, leading to inaccurate design validation and difficulty in debugging multiple algorithms embedded in ICs.
Innovation Solution
A testing system and method that automatically compares images processed by hardware and software using a control unit, image processing device, and testing device to ensure consistency and identify errors in algorithms or parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hardware limitations and design considerations are applied to optimize IC design, then device complexity and resource usage are reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to algorithm execution discrepancies between hardware and software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing software simulation testing before hardware implementation. The system executes the same image processing algorithm on both software and hardware platforms, compares their outputs, and identifies discrepancies before the IC is finalized. This advance testing allows designers to detect and correct algorithm execution differences between hardware and software, ensuring consistency while maintaining hardware optimization benefits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image processing algorithms are embedded in IC for versatile functionality, then adaptability improves, but debugging difficulty increases when output images differ between hardware and software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the debugging process into individual algorithm-level comparisons. When a discrepancy is detected in the final output images, the system can identify which specific algorithm among multiple embedded algorithms is causing the issue. This granular approach to testing and comparison allows precise localization of problems, making debugging of complex multi-algorithm ICs manageable and systematic.
3Loss of time
If design simulation is performed only during early IC design stage with limited images, then development time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient testing coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a software replica of the hardware algorithm execution. The software simulation copies the same image processing algorithms intended for hardware implementation, allowing virtual testing with multiple images without physical hardware constraints. This software copy enables comprehensive testing coverage that would be time-consuming or impossible with actual hardware, improving validation accuracy while maintaining efficient development timelines.
Data Source
AI summary
A testing system for an image processing algorithm including a control unit, an image processing device, an image processing hardware, and a testing device is disclosed. The control unit provides an original image and parameters. The image processing device obtains the original image and the parameters, and drives the image processing hardware to perform a first image processing procedure to the original image based on the parameters to generate a hardware-processed image. The testing device obtains the original image, the parameters, and the hardware-processed image, and performs, through a simulation software, a second image processing procedure to the original image based on the parameters to generate a software-processed image. The testing device compares the hardware-processed image with the software-processed image through a testing software to generate a comparing result that shows a pixel difference of the hardware-processed image and the software-processed image.