Memory Device Directing Image Sensor Data Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory device systems for image sensors face inefficiencies due to intermediary image signal processing (ISP) circuitry, which increases resource consumption and limits data throughput by requiring multiple data transfers and extensive processing operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory device is directly coupled to the image sensor via a serial interface and to ISP circuitry via a parallel interface, enabling the memory device to perform image processing operations and direct data communication, reducing the need for intermediary processing and transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intermediary ISP circuitry is used to process data from image sensor, then image processing functionality is provided, but resource consumption increases and data throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image processing functionality from the traditional ISP circuitry and relocates it directly into the memory device. This allows the memory device to perform preprocessing operations on image data before storage, eliminating the need for dedicated ISP circuitry and reducing overall system resource consumption while maintaining data throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both storage medium and image processing unit. By integrating preprocessing capabilities directly into the memory device, the system eliminates separate processing components, reducing resource consumption while maintaining or enhancing data throughput
2Reliability
If multiple data transfers are performed between image sensor, ISP circuitry, and memory device, then data is processed and stored, but transfer time and resource overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data transfer and preprocessing operations into a single integrated process. The memory device receives data directly from the image sensor and performs preprocessing operations in-place, eliminating the need for separate transfer steps between ISP circuitry and memory device, thereby reducing total transfer time while ensuring data processing completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device performs preprocessing operations on image data immediately upon receipt, before the data is fully written to storage. This preliminary action approach allows processing to overlap with transfer operations, reducing the total time required for complete data processing and storage
3Productivity
If ISP circuitry is used as intermediary between image sensor and memory device, then data processing is performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both storage medium and image processing unit. By integrating preprocessing capabilities directly into the memory device, the system eliminates separate processing components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining image processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the image processing functionality from the traditional ISP circuitry and relocates it directly into the memory device. This consolidation removes the need for separate ISP circuitry, simplifying the system architecture while preserving all necessary image processing functions
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device can be configured to direct communication of data from an image sensor to the memory device and/or image signal processing circuitry coupled thereto. The memory device can be configured to receive first signaling indicative of first data from an image sensor via a first port and provide the first signaling from the memory device to image signal processing (ISP) circuitry via a second port. The memory device can be configured to receiving, by the memory device, second signaling indicative of second data from the image sensor while the ISP circuitry operates on the first data. An image processing operation can be performed using logic circuitry of the memory device. Directing communication of data using the memory device can reduce data transfers, reduce resource consumption of an imaging system, and offload workloads from a host device and/or a host processing device, for example.