Image Processing Pipeline Configuration Multiplexing for Demo Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in implementing demonstration modes for image processing due to the need for additional hardware resources, such as multiple image processing pipelines, which is costly and complex, especially when all hardware resources are already consumed, limiting the ability to showcase different image processing options effectively.
Innovation Solution
The solution employs a single image processing pipeline that uses multiple configuration registers to generate different regions of an image frame, allowing for demonstration modes without the need for additional hardware by switching between configuration data based on screen coordinates, using multiplexing logic to select the appropriate configuration data for each region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image processing pipelines are added to support demonstration modes, then the ability to showcase different image processing options is improved, but the hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image frame is divided into multiple regions, with each region processed by the same image processing pipeline using different configuration data. This segmentation allows demonstration mode to display multiple processing options simultaneously without requiring multiple physical pipelines, thus achieving versatility while controlling hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single image processing pipeline is designed to handle multiple functions by accepting different configuration data for different frame regions. The same pipeline can process demonstration regions with various settings and non-demonstration regions with standard settings, making the hardware universal and adaptable to different operating modes without additional complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional image processing pipeline hardware is added, then demonstration mode functionality is improved, but the die area cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple configuration data streams are merged into a single image processing pipeline through a configuration data selection mechanism. The pipeline receives configuration data indicating whether each frame region is a demonstration or non-demonstration region, and applies the appropriate processing settings accordingly. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate hardware pipelines, reducing die area while maintaining demo mode functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display pipelines are used for demonstration modes, then the ability to show different settings is improved, but the system fails when all hardware resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (demonstration and non-demonstration) by adjusting configuration data in real-time based on resource availability. When all hardware resources are consumed, the system can still allocate a single pipeline for demonstration purposes by dynamically configuring it to handle both demo and non-demo regions, ensuring demonstration capability is maintained without compromising overall system productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image generation apparatus includes at least a first configuration register that includes first configuration data for configuring parameters of an image processor, at least a second configuration register that includes second configuration data for configuring the parameters of a same image processing pipeline in the image processor, multiplexing logic coupled to the first configuration register and to the second configuration register, control logic that controls the multiplexing logic to in a non-demonstration mode select one of the first or second configuration registers to produce a first image frame and operative in a demonstration mode to provide both the first and second configuration data for the same image processing pipeline of the image processor to use for generating different regions of an image frame.