Pipeline Image Processing Buffer Control for Module Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing devices face complexity in combining arbitrary image processing modules due to the need for uniform output units and complex data transfer mechanisms, leading to increased structural complexity and potential processing issues.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device with a modular structure that includes image processing engines and buffer modules, allowing for flexible connection in pipeline or directed acyclic graph forms, where buffer control sections manage data transfer independently, optimizing processing units and avoiding synchronization issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image processing modules are combined in arbitrary order to achieve flexible processing, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity increases due to the need for uniform output units and coordinated control sections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the image processing system into independent image processing modules, each with its own control section that operates autonomously. This segmentation allows modules to be combined in arbitrary orders without requiring uniform output units or complex coordination mechanisms, as each module manages its own data processing independently
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces buffer memories as intermediary components between image processing modules. These buffers act as mediators that decouple the data transfer requirements between modules, allowing each module to operate independently with its own control section while still enabling coordinated processing through the buffer interface
2Ease of operation
If each image processing module operates independently with its own control section, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple control sections managing data transfer coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention assigns independent control sections to each image processing module, allowing each module to operate autonomously without requiring complex centralized coordination. This segmentation of control functions simplifies the operation of each individual module while enabling flexible system configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Each image processing module is equipped with its own control section that autonomously manages data transfer and processing operations. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex inter-module coordination mechanisms, as each module independently controls its own operations and data handling
3Manufacturing precision
If buffer memories are structured to hold specific regions corresponding to processing contents, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when module capacities need to be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the buffer memory capacity dynamically adjustable based on the specific image processing module being served. Rather than fixed buffer regions, the buffer can change its capacity to match the requirements of different modules, allowing flexible adaptation when module capacities need to be changed while maintaining precise correspondence with processing contents
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing section of an image processing device is constructed by plural image processing modules being connected in a pipeline form, such that a buffer module is connected at at least one of preceding and following stages of each module. A buffer control section of the buffer module: when image data is outputted from the preceding image processing module, causes the module to write, immediately or after completion of reading, based on weather the following image processing module is reading data from the buffer; and when image data is requested from the following image processing module, causes the module to read, immediately or after completion of writing, based on weather the preceding image processing module is writing data to the buffer.