Image-Processing Microprocessor Segmentation for Application Processor Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, face performance limitations in image processing due to the main application processor handling all image-related operations and data processing, restricting their image-processing capabilities and quality.
Innovation Solution
An image-processing microprocessor is introduced to connect with both the camera and the application processor, processing control instructions and image data independently, enhancing image processing functionalities while minimizing modifications to existing hardware and reducing the burden on the application processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the application processor handles all image-related operations and data processing, then the device can maintain a simpler hardware architecture, but the image-processing capabilities and quality are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing system into two independent parts: the application processor that handles control instructions and the image processing microprocessor that handles image data. This segmentation allows each processor to specialize in its designated function, improving overall image processing capabilities while maintaining reasonable hardware complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing microprocessor as an intermediary component between the camera module and the application processor. This intermediary handles the computationally intensive image data processing tasks, freeing the application processor to focus on control functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between hardware simplicity and processing power.
2Device complexity
If the application processor handles all image data processing, then the hardware configuration can be simpler, but the processing speed and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing tasks by separating control instruction handling (application processor) from image data processing (image processing microprocessor). This division enables parallel processing operations, significantly improving processing speed while maintaining a relatively simple hardware configuration through dedicated functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing microprocessor serves as an intermediary that handles the time-consuming image data processing tasks, enabling faster processing speeds without requiring the application processor to be overly complex or powerful.
3Productivity
If a dedicated image processing microprocessor is added, then image processing capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by creating a dedicated image processing microprocessor for handling image data, which enhances processing capabilities. The complexity is managed through clear functional segmentation where each processor has a specific role, making the overall system architecture organized and maintainable despite the added component.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing microprocessor is designed with multi-functionality to handle various image processing tasks (processing, optimization, enhancement) within a single dedicated unit. This universal approach within the microprocessor reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the application processor processes all image data, then hardware costs can be reduced, but the image quality and processing efficiency suffer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments processing functions between two processors, with the image processing microprocessor specifically dedicated to enhancing image quality through specialized processing algorithms. This segmentation enables better image quality without requiring the application processor to be excessively powerful or expensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing microprocessor acts as an intermediary that specifically handles image quality enhancement tasks. This dedicated intermediary improves image processing efficiency and quality while keeping the overall hardware cost structure reasonable by distributing processing responsibilities appropriately.
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 transmitting to the AP intermediary-data generated by the DSP based on the sensor-data.