Image Signal Processor Line Memory Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image signal processors require large memory capacity for efficient output of image data, leading to increased costs and processing time, especially when dealing with high-pixel image sensors.

Innovation Solution

An image data output device utilizing a pair of line memories that store and output image data by horizontal line units using a first-in-first-out method, along with a multiplexer for sequential block unit output, reducing the need for large memory capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a memory having a large capacity is used to store image data from high-pixel image sensors, then the image data can be stored efficiently, but the cost and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory capacityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image data storage into multiple line memories, each handling a specific portion of the image data. By segmenting the large memory capacity into smaller, manageable line memory units, the system achieves efficient storage without requiring a single large memory element, thereby reducing cost and improving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If a memory having a large capacity is used to store image data, then all image data can be stored, but the processing speed for outputting data decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory capacityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image data into multiple lines and stores them in separate line memories. This segmentation allows the system to process and output data from multiple lines simultaneously, reducing the total processing time compared to a single large memory that would need to be accessed sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-stores image data in line memories before the actual output process. By preparing and storing data in advance in the line memories, the system eliminates the need for sequential reading from a large memory during the output process, thereby reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If image data is read and output by single file unit, then data integrity is maintained, but memory capacity requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidmemory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image data into line-based units and stores them in corresponding line memories. This segmentation maintains data integrity by preserving the sequential structure of image data while significantly reducing the memory capacity requirement compared to storing entire image files in a single large memory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10313620B2Image data output device for image signal processor

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a technology with enables an image signal processor to output image data at a faster speed while using a memory having a smaller capacity. The image signal processor includes a pair of line memories for storing image data output from an analog-digital converter such that the image data alternates in units of horizontal lines, and outputting the stored image data in units of blocks according to a first-in-first-out method.