OSD Data Generation via Detecting Layer Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display systems require additional hardware, power consumption, and resource allocation to differentiate between video and user-interface layers for post-processing, due to the lack of explicit OSD information in image data transmitted from the application processor to the back-end circuit.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a detecting layer is embedded within the image data, allowing the back-end circuit to extract OSD data by distinguishing between video and user-interface layers, reducing the need for additional transmission interfaces and resource allocation through a checkerboard pattern transparency arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If OSD bits are sent through an additional transmission interface from AP to BE circuit, then the BE circuit can obtain OSD information for post-processing, but hardware costs and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOSD information transmissionVSAvoidadditional transmission interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the OSD information transmission with the existing image data transmission by embedding OSD bits into the image data stream itself. The BE circuit extracts OSD information from the image data without requiring a separate transmission interface, thus eliminating additional hardware while preserving OSD information availability for post-processing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image data transmission channel serves dual purposes: carrying visual image information and simultaneously transmitting OSD control information. This multi-functional use of the existing transmission interface eliminates the need for dedicated OSD transmission hardware, reducing system complexity and power consumption while maintaining complete information flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If AP determines OSD bits by allocating computation resources to check UI images, then OSD information can be obtained, but computation resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOSD information extractionVSAvoidcomputation resource allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the AP embed OSD bits into the image data during the image generation process, before the data is transmitted to the BE circuit. This preliminary embedding eliminates the need for the AP to perform complex detection operations during runtime, as the OSD information is already prepared and embedded in the image data structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The image data structure itself carries the OSD information embedded within it, allowing the BE circuit to extract OSD data directly from the transmitted image stream without requiring the AP to perform additional computation or detection operations. The system uses the image data's own structure to provide the control information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If memory resources are allocated to store OSD bits, then OSD data can be stored for processing, but memory consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOSD data storageVSAvoidmemory resource allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines OSD data storage with the existing image data buffer by embedding OSD bits within the image data structure. The BE circuit extracts and stores only the necessary OSD information from the image data stream, rather than allocating separate memory for complete OSD bitmaps, thus reducing memory consumption while maintaining OSD data availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If BE circuit synchronizes OSD bits with image content, then correct mapping to frame and position is achieved, but synchronization effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOSD bit mapping accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the OSD data with the image data transmission stream, so that OSD bits are naturally synchronized with their corresponding image content by position and timing within the same data stream. This eliminates the need for separate synchronization mechanisms between OSD and image content, as they are inherently aligned through the embedding process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11670262B2Method of generating OSD data

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A method for generating a plurality of on-screen display (OSD) data is used in a back-end (BE) circuit. The BE circuit is configured to process a plurality of image data to be displayed on a display device. The method includes steps of: receiving the plurality of image data from an application processor (AP); and extracting information of a detecting layer embedded in the plurality of image data, wherein the information of the detecting layer indicates the plurality of OSD data corresponding to at least one user-interface (UI) layer in the plurality of image data.