Image Signal Processor Deferred Vertical Synchronous Signal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices consume unnecessary power and process incomplete data due to premature output of vertical synchronous signals and alternating write enable signals during the JPEG encoding process, leading to inefficiencies in data transfer and power management.
Innovation Solution
The image signal processor generates and outputs a deferred vertical synchronous signal only after storing a predetermined number of image data columns, ensuring that valid data is transferred efficiently and minimizing power consumption by controlling the clock and write enable signals based on the readiness of the encoding operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vertical synchronous signal is output immediately after image data is captured, then the data transfer speed is improved, but power is consumed unnecessarily and incomplete data is processed
Solution Approach 1:
The image signal processor performs preliminary encoding of image data into JPEG format before outputting the vertical synchronous signal. This ensures that complete and valid data is prepared in advance, allowing the back-end chip to receive ready-to-process data without needing to continue processing incomplete data, thus avoiding unnecessary power consumption while maintaining efficient data transfer
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vertical synchronous signal is output after encoding is completed, then power consumption is reduced, but the encoding process becomes inefficient due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The image signal processor performs JPEG encoding in advance before outputting the vertical synchronous signal. This preliminary encoding action allows the encoding operation to be completed beforehand, reducing power consumption during data transfer while maintaining encoding efficiency through parallel preparation of encoded data
Solution Approach 2:
The image signal processor continuously encodes image data into JPEG format in the background while preparing for data output. This continuous encoding operation ensures that encoded data is always ready for transfer, maintaining high encoding efficiency while enabling power-saving modes during data transmission
3Productivity
If the write enable signal is alternated continuously, then data transfer is maintained, but power is consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The write enable signal is activated periodically only when encoded JPEG data is ready for transfer, rather than continuously alternating. This periodic activation maintains data transfer capability when needed while eliminating unnecessary power consumption during periods when data is not ready or being transferred
4Productivity
If incomplete data is processed due to premature signal output, then processing speed is improved, but data integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The image signal processor performs complete JPEG encoding of the entire image frame before outputting the vertical synchronous signal. This preliminary completion of encoding ensures that only full and valid data is transferred to the back-end chip, maintaining data integrity while still achieving fast processing through efficient encoding algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The image signal processor uses feedback from the encoding process to determine when data is ready for output. The encoding completion status is monitored and used to control the timing of the vertical synchronous signal, ensuring that only complete and valid encoded data is transferred, thus maintaining data integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transferring a deferred vertical synchronous signal and an image signal processor executing the method thereof are disclosed. Once the vertical synchronous signal for an mth frame is inputted from an encoding unit, the method monitors whether image data columns in the quantity of n corresponding to a predetermined process block have been stored, using a count value inputted from the encoding unit, and outputs a corresponding vertical synchronous signal to a receiving part in case the image data columns in the quantity of n have been stored. Therefore, it becomes possible to increase the process efficiency of the back-end chip and to reduce the power consumption.