Image Processing Device Memory Management for Module Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing devices face complexity in combining arbitrary image processing modules due to the need for uniform output units and complex data transfer control, leading to inefficient processing and memory management.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device with a memory managing section and buffer modules connected in a pipeline or directed acyclic graph form, allowing for flexible data processing units and optimized memory allocation, enabling the combination of arbitrary image processing modules without increasing structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image processing modules are combined in arbitrary order with uniform output units, then flexibility in processing different image data is improved, but the structural complexity of each module increases due to control sections for data receipt and transfer
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer management section is introduced as an intermediary component between image processing modules. This buffer management section handles the control of data receipt and transfer between modules, allowing each image processing module to focus solely on its core processing function without requiring complex control sections. The buffer acts as a mediator that standardizes data exchange while preserving module independence and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer management section serves multiple functions: it manages data buffering, controls data transfer timing, coordinates between different modules, and handles memory allocation. By consolidating these control functions into a single universal component, the system achieves flexibility in combining arbitrary modules without increasing the structural complexity of individual modules.
2Productivity
If buffer memory capacities are changed to match processing contents of connected modules, then processing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of memory management increases when modules are changed
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer management section dynamically adjusts buffer capacities and memory allocation based on the actual processing requirements of connected modules. When modules are added, removed, or changed, the buffer management section automatically reconfigures memory resources without requiring manual intervention or complex management procedures. This dynamic adaptation maintains processing efficiency while simplifying memory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer management section autonomously manages memory allocation and buffer configuration based on module requirements. It automatically detects when modules are connected or changed and adjusts buffer capacities accordingly without external control, enabling the system to maintain optimal processing efficiency while reducing memory management complexity through self-service operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device including an image processing section and a memory managing section. The image processing section having: (A) one or more image processing modules, each having: an image processing engine and a control section; and (B) one or more buffer modules. The memory managing section (a) can execute, by a plurality of types of managing methods, memory managing processing in which, in accordance with requests from individual modules, the memory managing section reserves memories which are to be allotted to the individual modules from a memory provided at the image processing device, and allots the reserved memories to the individual modules, and, at a time of deleting the individual modules, releases the memories allotted to the individual modules, and (b) carries out the memory managing processing by a managing method which is instructed from the exterior among the plurality of types of managing methods.


