Parallel Video Processing Without Frame Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-resolution video processing is complicated and costly due to the need for dedicated or high-bandwidth frame memory when dividing a single screen into multiple screens for parallel processing, requiring removal of overlapping areas and storage in frame memory.

Innovation Solution

A video processing apparatus that separates video signals into frames, processes them in parallel using multiple processors, and combines them without the need for frame memory, by subtracting non-processed frames and sync signals, allowing for cost-effective and simplified processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single screen is divided into multiple screens for parallel processing, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to frame memory requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo processing capabilityVSAvoidframe memory requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video signal into multiple frames and processes them in parallel using multiple processors. Each processor handles specific frames independently, eliminating the need for a single large frame memory. The frame memory is divided into multiple smaller memory units, one for each processor, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining parallel processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a sequential processing model to a parallel processing model by introducing a temporal dimension. Instead of processing frames sequentially in a single processor, the system distributes frames across multiple processors simultaneously. This dimensional change allows parallel processing without requiring a single large frame memory, as each processor only needs access to its assigned frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If overlapping areas are added to divided screens to avoid discontinuity, then image quality is improved, but processing complexity increases due to overlapping area removal requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality continuityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the video signal into discrete, non-overlapping frames and assigns each frame to a specific processor. This segmentation eliminates the need for overlapping areas between processed regions, as each processor works on independent frame data. The frame separator ensures clean division of frames, and the frame combiner handles any boundary issues during the combination phase, simplifying the processing steps required during parallel execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a dedicated frame memory is used for storing divided screens, then processing capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo processing capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frame memory into multiple smaller memory units, with each processor having its own dedicated memory for storing assigned frames. This segmentation approach eliminates the need for a single large expensive frame memory. Multiple smaller memory units are less costly than one large memory, while still providing sufficient storage for parallel processing of multiple frames simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses smaller, less expensive frame memories that are sufficient for individual frame storage rather than requiring a large, expensive dedicated frame memory. Each processor has its own small memory unit that can be independently optimized for cost-effectiveness. This approach trades the single large memory requirement for multiple smaller memory units, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the necessary processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9286650B2Video processing apparatus, display apparatus, and video processing method
Publication Date: 2016.03.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US9286650B2 patent drawing
  • US9286650B2 patent drawing
  • US9286650B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A video input section acquires a video signal formed of a plurality of frames. A frame separator separates the video signal acquired by the video input section on a frame basis and distributes the separated video signals. A plurality of parallel processors perform video processing in parallel on the separated video signals corresponding to the frames separated and distributed by the frame separator. A frame combiner combines the separated video signals on which the plurality of parallel processors have performed the video processing.