Repurposing I2S Audio Interfaces for Image Data Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-video interfaces in integrated circuit devices lack support for synchronization signals like VSYNC and HSYNC, making it difficult to align pixel values correctly for image data reception, leading to corrupted or unreadable image data.
Innovation Solution
Repurposing non-video interfaces by generating a local synchronization signal based on the HSYNC signal to align the reception of image data, using existing audio interfaces like I2S serial bus interfaces, which allows for proper frame alignment without the need for dedicated synchronization inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-video interfaces are used for image data reception, then device complexity is reduced and existing IC devices can be repurposed, but synchronization signal support is lost leading to misaligned pixel values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a non-video interface (originally designed for audio or other non-image data) perform video/image data reception by repurposing its data and control signal lines. The interface is reconfigured to receive image data on data lines and HSYNC signal on control signal lines, allowing existing IC devices to handle multiple types of data without adding dedicated video interface hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that receives the HSYNC signal through the non-video interface, generates a local synchronization signal, and uses this to align the reception of image data. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the non-video interface's lack of native synchronization support and the requirement for precise pixel alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated video interfaces with VSYNC and HSYNC inputs are used, then synchronization signal support is provided for proper frame alignment, but device complexity and redesign costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding dedicated video interface components, the patent makes existing non-video interfaces multi-functional by reconfiguring them to handle image data reception with synchronization capability. This avoids the need for separate video interface hardware while achieving the same functional outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a virtual copy of the synchronization function by generating a local synchronization signal based on the received HSYNC signal. Rather than requiring physical dedicated synchronization input circuits, the system replicates the synchronization functionality through software or logic-based signal generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-video interfaces are repurposed for image data reception, then existing IC devices can be extended without redesign, but the lack of native synchronization inputs causes data alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization generation mechanism that sits between the non-video interface and the image data processing pipeline. This intermediary receives the HSYNC signal, processes it to generate a local synchronization signal, and uses this to reliably align data reception, thereby bridging the reliability gap caused by the interface's lack of native synchronization support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the received HSYNC signal as feedback to generate and adjust the local synchronization signal, ensuring that the data reception remains aligned with the incoming image data stream. This feedback mechanism compensates for the interface's inability to natively support synchronization, maintaining reliable data reception.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for transmitting and receiving image data. The present implementations more specifically relate to repurposing non-video interfaces to receive image data. In some aspects, an image processing device may be coupled to an image source via an audio interface. For example, the audio interface may be an inter-IC sound (I2S) serial bus interface having at least a serial data input and a word select (WS) input. In some implementations, the serial data input may be coupled to receive image data from the image source and the WS input may be coupled to receive a WS signal that tracks a horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) signal associated with the image data. Accordingly, the image processing device may capture (or store) frames of received image data, where the beginning of each frame is aligned with an edge of the WS signal (and thus, the HSYNC signal).