Integrated ISP and Video Encoder for Processing Synergies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital still cameras (DSC) and digital video cameras (DVC) are inefficient when trying to perform both high-quality still picture photography and video recording in a single mobile device, as they are optimized for one function over the other, lacking full processing and system synergies.
Innovation Solution
An integrated camera image signal processor (ISP) and video encoder system that combines image signal processing and encoding functions within a single circuit, allowing for efficient data exchange and improved performance by utilizing synergies between image signal processing and codec operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate camera implementations are used for digital still pictures and digital video, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device cannot take advantage of processing and system synergies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image signal processor (ISP) and video encoder into a single integrated circuit. The ISP includes modules for color interpolation, noise reduction, and sharpening, while the encoder includes motion estimation and DCT transformation. This merging allows both still image and video processing functions to share common hardware resources and data pathways, enabling processing synergies while maintaining functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can process still images through the ISP path and encode video sequences through the encoder path. The same physical hardware components serve dual purposes, with the ISP handling color space conversion and noise reduction for both still and video content, while the encoder handles compression for video sequences. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If an integrated circuit is used for both image signal processing and video encoding, then processing synergies are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is segmented into distinct functional modules: the image signal processor with its color interpolation, noise reduction, and sharpening modules; the encoder with motion estimation and DCT transformation modules; and a controller that coordinates operation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while being part of an integrated system, improving processing efficiency without creating an undifferentiated complex circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller module acts as an intermediary between the ISP and encoder, coordinating their operation and managing data flow. The controller receives control signals and generates appropriate control signals for both the ISP and encoder, enabling them to work together efficiently as an integrated system. This intermediary structure manages the complexity of integration by providing a clear interface and coordination mechanism between the two processing paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including 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, wherein said first circuit is further configured to pass said image signal processing related information to said second circuit and said second circuit is further configured to pass said encoding related information to said first circuit.