Integrated ISP and Codec Motion Estimation Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital still cameras (DSC) and digital video cameras (DVC) are inefficient when trying to process both still pictures and video streams simultaneously, as they are optimized for one or the other, leading to suboptimal performance and increased costs due to separate hardware and software systems that do not fully utilize processing synergies.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with integrated image signal processor (ISP) and codec functions that exchange information to enhance motion estimation processes, allowing for efficient processing and encoding of both still and video data, thereby improving performance and reducing costs by leveraging synergies between ISP and codec operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hardware and software systems are used for digital still pictures and digital video recording, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity increases and processing synergies are not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate digital still camera (DSC) and digital video camera (DVC) systems into a single integrated device that shares common hardware components and processing architecture. The image signal processor (ISP) and codec are shared between still image and video processing functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining specialized processing capabilities through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal hardware components that can perform multiple functions. The ISP and codec are designed to handle both still image processing and video encoding/decoding operations. The same hardware infrastructure supports both DSC and DVC modes, allowing the system to adapt its functionality based on the operating mode while reducing redundancy.
2Productivity
If the image signal processor (ISP) and codec operate independently, then each can be optimized for its specific processing tasks, but information exchange opportunities are lost and overall performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes feedback loops between the ISP and codec where processing information flows bidirectionally. The ISP provides image signal processing information to the codec, and the codec provides encoding-related information back to the ISP. This feedback mechanism enables both processors to adjust their operations based on the other's state, improving overall processing throughput and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information exchange mechanism that facilitates communication between the ISP and codec. This intermediary layer allows the two processing units to share data and coordination signals without direct coupling, enabling efficient information exchange while maintaining operational independence when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to perform image signal processing using encoding related information. The second circuit may be configured to encode image data using image signal processing related information. The first circuit may be further configured to pass the image signal processing related information to the second circuit. The second circuit may be further configured to pass the encoding related information to the first circuit. The second circuit may be further configured to modify one or more motion estimation processes based upon the information from the first circuit.