Dynamic Image Processor Power Management via Frame Rate Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses face high power consumption issues due to the continuous operation of multiple image processing units, regardless of frame rate, which affects both high-speed and low-speed image processing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a controller that selectively uses one or more processors to perform image signal processing based on conditions such as live view display, temperature, and battery level, allowing the sub-processing circuit to handle tasks during low-power modes and the main processing circuit to handle high-quality image processing when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image processing units operate continuously to handle both high-speed and low-speed image processing, then image processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between a first image processing unit and a second image processing unit based on the frame rate of incoming image data. When the frame rate exceeds a threshold, the first unit processes data; otherwise, the second unit processes it. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt processing resources to actual needs, avoiding continuous operation of both units and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining versatile image processing capability.
2Device complexity
If image data is always processed by the first image processing unit via the second image processing unit, then processing flow is simplified, but power consumption increases because both units operate regardless of frame rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic evaluation of the frame rate condition to determine which image processing unit should operate. The controller continuously monitors the frame rate and periodically switches between the first and second image processing units based on whether the frame rate exceeds the threshold. This periodic decision-making mechanism ensures that only the necessary unit operates at any given time, reducing power consumption while maintaining a relatively simple processing flow through conditional routing.
3Productivity
If multiple back engines share the load for JPEG processing, then processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically assigns image data to either the first or second image processing unit based on real-time frame rate conditions. When high frame rate processing is needed, the first unit (with higher processing capability) is activated; when lower frame rates are sufficient, the second unit handles the load. This dynamic assignment optimizes processing speed according to actual demands while avoiding the continuous operation of multiple units, thereby reducing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises a first processor that processes an image signal output from an image sensor; a second processor, connected in downstream of the first processor, that processes an image signal transferred from the first processor; and a controller that selects any of the first processor and the second processor to be used to perform a predetermined process on the image signal output from the image sensor based on a predetermined condition. The controller controls to stop an operation of the second processor in a case where the controller selects the first processor, the predetermined condition includes an instruction for live view display, and the controller selects the first processor in a case where the live view display is instructed.