Macropixel Processing Circuit Reducing Power and Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing methods, particularly in devices with image sensors and displays, face inefficiencies when converting RGB images to YUV format due to suboptimal processing and transmission requirements, which can lead to issues like power consumption and area usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining gain control parameters and relative pixel positions for macro-pixels using digital image processing circuitry, applying modified gain values based on these parameters, and employing macro-pixel processing to reduce computational complexity and power consumption, specifically using functions like f(x,y) = 1 - C * R(x,y)^2 to interpolate gain values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional raster-based processing is used to convert RGB images to YUV format, then image processing can be performed, but power consumption and area usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing task into macro-pixel units, where each macro-pixel is processed independently. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple pixels in parallel while reducing the computational complexity for each individual macro-pixel, thereby lowering overall power consumption compared to conventional raster-based processing that handles pixels sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different gain control parameters to different macro-pixels based on their specific characteristics and positions. By determining gain control parameters individually for each macro-pixel rather than using a uniform approach, the system optimizes processing efficiency for each local region while maintaining overall power efficiency through selective processing
2Productivity
If conventional raster-based processing is used to convert RGB images to YUV format, then image processing can be performed, but area usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into macro-pixels and processes them in parallel, which reduces the computational area required compared to conventional raster processing. By handling multiple pixels simultaneously through macro-pixel processing, the system achieves the same processing function with reduced area usage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters by introducing gain control parameters that are determined based on macro-pixel characteristics. This parameter change allows for optimized processing that reduces the area required for image conversion while maintaining processing efficiency
3Measurement precision
If gain control parameters are determined for each pixel based on location, then processing precision is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computational task by determining gain control parameters at the macro-pixel level rather than for each individual pixel. This segmentation reduces the total number of computations required while maintaining precision through the use of location-based gain control functions that are applied consistently across relevant pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of gain control parameters based on macro-pixel location before processing individual pixels. By pre-calculating the gain control parameters for each macro-pixel based on its position and characteristics, the system reduces the computational complexity during the actual image processing phase while maintaining high precision
Data Source
AI summary
A digital image processing circuit processes macro-pixels of a digital image. A gain control parameter of each pixel of the macro-pixel of the digital image is determined based on a location of the pixel in the digital image. Relative pixel positions of the pixels of the macro-pixel are determined, the relative pixel positions representing pixel positions with respect to color grids. A gain value of each pixel of the macro-pixel is determined based on the relative pixel positions. The gain values are modified based on the gain control parameters. The modified gains are applied to the pixels of the macro-pixel.