Parallel Image Processing Modules for Pixel Line Dependency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing methods with feedback loops face challenges in parallelization due to dependencies between data, making it difficult to speed up processing, especially when the number of pixel lines exceeds the number of calculation units.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image processing apparatus with multiple processing modules that refer to reference pixels to generate processing results for target pixels, allowing for parallel processing across different pixel lines and enabling efficient data transfer and error propagation without changing the connection relationship between modules, even when the number of pixel lines changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sequential processing is used to maintain data dependency accuracy, then processing correctness is ensured, but processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing into multiple independent processing modules, each handling specific pixel lines. By segmenting the processing task, multiple modules can operate in parallel while maintaining data dependency through controlled data transfer mechanisms, thus improving processing speed without sacrificing correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary data transfer mechanisms between processing modules to handle dependent data flow. This intermediary system allows modules to exchange necessary data (such as error diffusion information) while maintaining the ability to process independently, resolving the conflict between parallel processing and data dependency.
2Productivity
If the number of processing modules is increased to handle more pixel lines, then processing capacity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs processing modules with universal functionality where each module can handle multiple pixel lines through configurable parameters. This multi-functionality allows the system to scale processing capacity by activating more modules without proportionally increasing complexity, as each module follows the same architectural pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent organizes processing modules in a two-dimensional arrangement where modules can be configured to process different numbers of pixel lines. This dimensional organization allows flexible scaling of processing capacity while maintaining regular connection patterns, preventing complexity from increasing linearly with capacity.
3Productivity
If processing timing is shifted to enable parallelization, then processing speed is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by assigning each processing module a specific processing timing schedule. Modules operate in regular cycles with predetermined timing shifts, allowing parallel processing while maintaining synchronization through the periodic nature of the operation. This regular timing pattern simplifies coordination compared to arbitrary timing arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided with an image processing apparatus for performing image processing for an input image. Each of N processing modules refers to a processing result for a reference pixel different from a processing target pixel and generates a processing result for the processing target pixel. Each of the N processing modules generates a processing result for a first pixel included in the first pixel line and next generates a processing result for a second pixel. The second pixel is included in a second pixel line different from the first pixel line in the processing target region and becomes processable in accordance with the generation of the processing result for the first pixel.