Image Processing Pipeline Configuration Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image processing circuits in digital cameras face challenges in synchronizing configuration vector updates across multiple processing units, leading to potential data corruption and inefficiencies due to delays and the burden on the central processing unit (CPU) in managing timing and delays across MIPI-connected units.
Innovation Solution
An enable-logic circuit is introduced that uses a Timing-derived triggering event to synchronize configuration vector updates with the receipt of new image data frames, ensuring each processing unit receives updated configurations in sequence without CPU intervention, utilizing hardware enable signals passed in parallel with image data and timing signals to cascade the trigger activation through the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If configuration vectors are updated simultaneously across all processing units, then update speed is improved, but data corruption occurs due to timing mismatches with frame processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration update process across multiple processing units by introducing sequential enable signals. Each processing unit receives the configuration vector at different times based on its position in the pipeline, with unit 0 receiving it first, followed by unit 1, and so on. This segmentation prevents simultaneous updates that would cause timing conflicts with frame processing while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by preparing configuration vectors in advance in a buffer before they are needed. The CPU writes configuration vectors to buffer registers ahead of time, and the sequential enable logic ensures they are applied to each processing unit at the appropriate moment just before or during frame processing, preventing data corruption while maintaining update speed.
2Reliability
If the CPU manages timing and delays for each processing unit, then configuration synchronization is improved, but CPU workload and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the image processing pipeline to automatically manage its own configuration updates without CPU intervention. The sequential enable logic circuitry within the pipeline automatically generates the proper timing signals and propagates configuration vectors through the processing units in the correct sequence, freeing the CPU from timing management tasks while maintaining reliable synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary enable logic circuit that mediates between the CPU and the processing units. This intermediary automatically handles the complex timing and sequencing of configuration updates, translating a single CPU write operation into the appropriate sequential updates across multiple processing units without requiring the CPU to manage individual timing delays for each unit.
3Reliability
If processing units are stopped to apply configuration updates, then configuration accuracy is improved, but productivity and throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by enabling configuration updates to occur without stopping the image processing pipeline. The sequential enable logic allows configuration vectors to be applied to each processing unit during or between frame processing operations, ensuring that the pipeline remains continuously operational and maintains high throughput while still achieving accurate configuration updates.
4Ease of operation
If configuration vectors are updated independently by CPU without timing coordination, then ease of operation is improved, but data corruption risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary enable logic circuit that sits between the CPU and the processing units. The CPU can write configuration vectors independently without worrying about timing coordination, as the intermediary automatically handles the sequencing and timing. This intermediary translates simple CPU write operations into properly timed sequential updates, maintaining data integrity while preserving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Each unit among a pipeline of image processing units receives a new configuration vector (update), and the received new vector is only applied in sync with the Timing-derived trigger signal within a hardware-enabled time period. A hardware enable signal is logically combined with a Timing-derived triggering event signal to control a switch that applies the new received vector to the processing unit. This ensures that each image processing unit (stage) in the chain of image processing units is updated in sequence even if the CPU has output the updated configuration vectors independently of the Timing of the Data and without regard for the delay through each of the processing units. The Timing-derived triggering event is used to synchronize the application of a received configuration vector update with the receipt by the unit of a new frame of image DATA.