Image Processing Device Block Buffer Resolution Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing devices require large memory capacity for decoding and resolution conversion of image data, leading to increased memory access time and restricted resolution range, while methods that reduce memory usage often introduce block noise, degrading image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that decodes and converts image data using a block-based approach with a block buffer and line buffer system, performing horizontal and vertical resolution conversions efficiently while minimizing memory usage and preventing block noise through mirroring processes at image edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire decoded image data is temporarily stored in memory for resolution conversion, then resolution conversion can be performed on the decoded image data, but the memory capacity required becomes large and memory access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image data into blocks (specifically 8x8 pixel blocks) and processes them sequentially rather than loading the entire image into memory. The block buffer stores only current blocks being processed, significantly reducing memory requirements while enabling resolution conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs resolution conversion on blocks as they are decoded and stored in the block buffer, before the blocks are fully written to the destination memory. This preliminary processing eliminates the need to hold the entire decoded image in memory simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If block-based resolution conversion is performed to reduce memory usage, then memory capacity requirements are reduced, but block noise is generated that degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a line buffer as an intermediary between the block buffer and the destination memory. The line buffer stores complete scanlines (rows of pixels) and enables smooth transitions between blocks by buffering line data, which reduces the visibility of block boundaries and noise artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing unit from blocks to scanlines by introducing the line buffer. This parameter change allows the system to maintain block-based memory efficiency while achieving line-based smoothing that reduces block noise and improves image quality.
3Productivity
If the entire decoded image data is stored in memory, then resolution conversion can be performed, but the processing speed increases due to frequent memory accesses
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the image into blocks and processing them sequentially through the block buffer, the system reduces the amount of data that needs to be fetched from memory at any given time, thereby reducing memory access frequency and improving processing speed despite maintaining resolution conversion capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device and method decodes encoded image data, and converts a resolution of the decoded image data. The encoded image data is formed by encoding image data partitioned into blocks, each block including a plurality of pixels aligned in a matrix shape having horizontal rows and vertical columns. The image processing device includes a decoding section that decodes and outputs the decoded image data on a block-by-block basis, a block buffer section that temporarily stores, on a basis of the blocks, the decoded image data output, a horizontal resolution conversion section that converts the resolution of the decoded image data in the horizontal direction, a line buffer section that temporarily stores, on a basis of the vertical columns, the horizontal-resolution-converted image data, and a vertical resolution conversion section that converts the resolution of the horizontal-resolution-converted image data in the vertical direction.