Image-Processing Microprocessor for Multi-Camera Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable electronic devices with multiple cameras are limited in image-processing performance due to the reliance on a single application processor, which restricts the overall image-processing capabilities and requires significant modifications to support various camera models and advanced image-capturing functionalities.
Innovation Solution
An image-processing microprocessor is introduced to connect with multiple cameras and an application processor, enabling the generation of intermediary instructions for controlling and processing image data, thereby enhancing image-processing functionalities and supporting a wider range of camera models with minimal modifications to the existing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the application processor directly controls and processes all image data from multiple cameras, then the image-processing performance and capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and burden on the application processor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image-processing system into two segments: the application processor that issues high-level commands, and the image signal processor that executes specific image-processing tasks. This segmentation allows the application processor to maintain simplicity while the image signal processor handles the complex multi-camera processing, resolving the contradiction between improved image-processing performance and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The image signal processor acts as an intermediary between the application processor and multiple cameras. It receives instructions from the application processor, generates intermediary commands for individual cameras, and processes image data before returning results. This intermediary role enables the application processor to support multiple cameras without directly managing the complexity of each camera's control and data processing
2Adaptability or versatility
If the application processor supports multiple cameras with advanced functionalities, then the adaptability and image-capturing capabilities are improved, but the ease of operation and hardware modification requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The image signal processor is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple camera models and various image-capturing functionalities through a standardized interface. It receives generic instructions from the application processor and adapts its operations to support different camera configurations, enabling the system to maintain ease of operation while achieving high adaptability across diverse hardware scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
An image-processing unit for an electronic device is disclosed. The image-processing unit may include a digital signal processor (DSP), a first control interface configured for receiving an AP-instruction from an application processor (AP) external to the image-processing unit, and a second control interface configured for transmitting an intermediary-instruction generated by DSP based on the AP-instruction. The image-processing unit may further include a first data interface configured for receiving sensor-data generated in response to the intermediary-instruction by a sensor external to the image-processing unit, and a second data interface configured for bi-directionally transmitting intermediary-data to the AP or receiving AP-data from the AP, wherein the intermediary-data is generated by the DSP based on the sensor-data.