Image Processing Circuit With Direct Decompression Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems require additional size, cost, and bandwidth due to the need for decompressed data to be stored in a memory system before being read by the image processing circuit, as the decompression and image processing circuits often operate asynchronously.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system that includes a decompression circuit with terminals for directly transmitting decompressed data to an image processing circuit, eliminating the need for intermediate memory storage, thereby reducing system size and bandwidth requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decompressed data is stored in a memory system before being read by the image processing circuit, then the operation mismatch between decompression circuit and image processing circuit is resolved, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the memory buffering function from the data path by introducing a request mechanism. The image processing circuit actively requests data from the decompression circuit when ready, eliminating the need for intermediate memory storage while ensuring operation synchronization through request-grant protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data storage function into the decompression circuit itself by adding a request receiving terminal. This integration allows the decompression circuit to hold and directly transfer data to the image processing circuit upon request, combining what were previously separate functions (decompression and buffering) into a unified data flow path.
2Reliability
If decompressed data is stored in a memory system before being read by the image processing circuit, then the operation mismatch between decompression circuit and image processing circuit is resolved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive memory buffering component from the system architecture. By implementing a request-based direct data transfer mechanism, the system eliminates the need for additional memory modules and associated control logic, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically storing decompressed data in memory, the system uses request signals as virtual copies of data availability status. The request-grant mechanism creates a logical representation of data transfer state without requiring physical data duplication in memory, reducing hardware requirements and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decompressed data is stored in a memory system, then data can be read at flexible timing, but the bandwidth requirement increases due to write and read operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an asymmetric data transfer protocol where the image processing circuit initiates requests and the decompression circuit responds with data. This asymmetric approach eliminates the need for bidirectional memory access (write and read operations), reducing total bandwidth requirements while maintaining timing flexibility through request-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The request-grant mechanism enables continuous data flow from decompression to image processing without interruption for memory write/read cycles. Data is transferred directly and continuously when requested, eliminating the discontinuous nature of memory-based transfer (write then read) and reducing overall bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system comprising a decompression circuit, configured to decompress compressed data to generate decompressed data. The decompression circuit comprises: a request transmitting terminal, configured to transmit a data receiving request indicating the decompressed data to be received; a valid information transmitting terminal, configured to transmit valid information indicating which part of the decompressed data is valid; and a data transmitting terminal, configured to transmit the decompressed data. An image processing circuit corresponds to the decompression circuit is also disclosed.