Image Processing IC Dynamic Routing for Power and Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image devices face challenges in flexibly meeting design and application requirements for image processing, as they lack the ability to selectively pre-process or post-process images based on dynamic control, leading to inefficiencies in image quality and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
An image processing IC with multiple input and output pads and routing circuits that can be controlled by a central processing IC to decide on pre-processing or post-processing operations, allowing for flexible image processing operations such as noise reduction, HDR fusion, and frame rate conversion, and enabling bypass routes to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pre-processing or post-processing IC is used, then image processing function is provided, but design flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing IC is designed with multiple input pads (first input pad for camera interface, second input pad for processor interface) and multiple output pads (first output pad for processor interface, second output pad for display panel interface), enabling it to perform both pre-processing and post-processing functions. The IC can be configured through control signals to operate in different modes: pre-processing mode (camera→image processing IC→processor), post-processing mode (processor→image processing IC→display panel), or direct pass-through mode, thus providing universal functionality that adapts to various design requirements without requiring separate dedicated ICs for each function.
2Reliability
If image processing is always performed, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing IC incorporates dynamic configurability through control signals from the central processing unit, allowing the processing units to be selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time requirements. The IC can switch between different operational states: full processing mode (both pre-processing and post-processing enabled), partial processing mode (only pre-processing or only post-processing enabled), or bypass mode (processing disabled, signals passed directly). This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain high image quality when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation or when image processing is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
An image device and an image processing integrated circuit (IC) of the image device are provided. The image device includes a camera module, a display panel, a central processing IC, and an image processing IC. Based on a control of the central processing IC, the image processing IC decides whether to pre-process an output of the camera module and provide a pre-processed result to the central processing IC, or provide the output of the camera module directly to the central processing IC. Based on the control of the central processing IC, the image processing IC decides whether to post-process an output of the central processing IC and provide a post-processed result to the display panel, or provide the output of the central processing IC directly to the display panel.