Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing apparatuses struggle to efficiently manage increasing processing loads due to the lack of cooperative operation between multiple image processing circuits, leading to inflexible and inefficient processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cooperative operation function that allows for switching between different processing modes in image processing apparatuses, where one image processing unit processes a portion of the image data and transfers the remaining portion to another unit for combined processing, optimizing load distribution across multiple image processing circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single image processing circuit processes all image data, then the processing flow is simple, but the processing efficiency cannot cope with increasing processing loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing workload into segments by introducing multiple image processing circuits (first image processing circuit and second image processing circuit). Each circuit processes specific portions of image data in parallel, thereby increasing overall processing efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
2Productivity
If multiple image processing circuits are used independently, then the processing capacity increases, but the load distribution is inflexible and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load distribution by enabling switching between different processing modes (first processing mode and second processing mode). The system can adaptively allocate processing tasks to different circuits based on real-time requirements, achieving flexible and efficient load balancing that maximizes processing capacity utilization
3Ease of operation
If all frames are processed by one circuit, then the processing logic is simple, but the power consumption increases under high load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the first image processing circuit process only necessary portions of image data (first portion in second processing mode, or every other frame in still image mode) while transferring remaining portions to the second circuit. This selective processing reduces the workload on the primary circuit and consequently lowers power consumption during high-load operations
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus cascade-connects an image processing circuit of a preceding stage and an image processing circuit of a succeeding stage and switches, in accordance with an image processing load, the method of processing so as to process image data from an image capturing unit by an image processing circuit of the preceding stage or the succeeding stage on a frame-by-frame basis, or so as to process the image data alternately by the image processing circuits of the preceding stage and the succeeding stage on a frame-by-frame basis, or so as to process half of a frame by the image processing circuit of the preceding stage and process the remaining half of the frame by the image processing circuit of the succeeding stage.