ISP Video Stabilization Transform Matrix Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video stabilization processes in consumer electronic devices consume excessive processor cycles and power due to high data rates in video sequences, particularly when performed by CPUs or GPUs, and are limited by the limited data storage capacity of image signal processors (ISPs).
Innovation Solution
Implementing video stabilization within a pipelined stage of an ISP, where the transform matrix is altered to fit within the available storage capacity, using a stabilization unit and transform calculator to adjust the transform coefficients, allowing the ISP to apply perspective transforms to limited input frame data, thereby optimizing performance and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If video stabilization is performed by CPU or GPU, then processing capability is sufficient, but power consumption and processor cycle usage become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Image Signal Processor (ISP) as an intermediary device between the camera sensor and the main processor (CPU/GPU). The ISP performs video stabilization processing using dedicated hardware circuits, including a stabilization unit with transform calculator and perspective transform unit. This intermediary handles the computationally intensive stabilization task independently, preventing excessive power consumption and processor cycle usage by the main processor while maintaining sufficient processing capability through the specialized hardware architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If full transform matrix is applied, then video stabilization quality is improved, but storage capacity requirements exceed ISP hardware limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the essential components of the transform operation. Instead of implementing the complete transform matrix that would require excessive storage, the system uses a transform calculator to compute transform coefficients on-the-fly and applies them through a perspective transform unit. This extraction approach maintains stabilization quality by preserving the core transformation functionality while removing the storage burden of storing complete transform matrices, adapting to the ISP's limited hardware storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the transform operation by computing transform coefficients dynamically rather than storing complete transform matrices. The transform calculator generates coefficients based on motion estimation data, and the perspective transform unit applies these coefficients row-by-row through the video frame. This parameter change from static matrix storage to dynamic coefficient computation reduces storage requirements while maintaining transformation accuracy for video stabilization.
3Speed
If video stabilization is performed at high data rates, then processing speed is maintained, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the general-purpose mechanical processing system (CPU/GPU) with a specialized hardware system (ISP) designed specifically for image and video processing. The ISP contains dedicated circuits including a stabilization unit with transform calculator and perspective transform unit that are optimized for video stabilization operations. This substitution enables high-speed processing at the hardware level through parallel processing and dedicated data paths, maintaining processing speed while significantly reducing power consumption compared to general-purpose processors.
Data Source
AI summary
The video stabilization method can generate output data for an output frame from input data of an input frame according to a perspective transform of a transform matrix. The input data used for the perspective transform can be obtained from a buffer of a predetermined depth. The transform matrix can be altered when the input data required for the transform exceeds the depth of the buffer.