Pipeline Image Processing Buffer Control for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing devices face challenges in managing data flow and buffer operations in pipeline processing, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption due to unnecessary buffer operations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device with a control section that dynamically determines whether to store data in a buffer based on data flow and buffer state, selecting paths for data transfer to optimize buffer operations and reduce power consumption by bypassing the buffer when possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is always stored in the double buffer between processing stages, then pipeline processing can be performed normally with delayed processing absorbed, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary buffer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the buffer operation state changeable based on real-time pipeline conditions. The control section dynamically switches between buffer operation mode and bypass mode according to whether processing modules are ready to receive data, transforming a static buffer-always-on approach into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes power consumption while maintaining pipeline stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the buffer from a fixed state to a variable state. By monitoring the readiness status of downstream processing modules and adjusting buffer operation accordingly (operating when needed, bypassing when not needed), the system optimizes power consumption while ensuring pipeline processing stability is maintained when required.
2Reliability
If data is stored in the double buffer, then processing delay is absorbed and pipeline processing proceeds normally, but processing efficiency decreases due to unnecessary buffer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements skipping by allowing data to bypass the buffer when downstream processing modules are ready. Instead of always routing data through the buffer (which adds delay), the system can skip the buffer operation entirely when it's not needed for delay absorption, thus maintaining pipeline continuity while improving processing efficiency by eliminating unnecessary intermediate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the data path based on pipeline readiness. When processing modules are ready, data flows directly without buffer intervention; when modules are not ready, the buffer is activated to absorb delay. This dynamic path selection maintains pipeline continuity while optimizing for efficiency in ready states.
3Reliability
If the double buffer operates continuously, then data delivery between processing stages is ensured, but device complexity increases due to buffer management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control section monitors the readiness status of downstream processing modules and uses this information to control buffer operations. This feedback-driven approach ensures data delivery reliability by activating the buffer only when downstream modules are not ready, while reducing control complexity compared to continuous buffer operation management.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer system serves itself by automatically activating or deactivating based on pipeline conditions monitored by the control section. The system self-regulates buffer operation without requiring complex external management, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable data delivery through condition-based activation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If data bypasses the buffer, then power consumption is reduced and processing efficiency improves, but pipeline processing may be disrupted if buffer operations are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control section uses feedback from downstream processing module readiness status to determine whether to enable buffer operation or bypass. This feedback mechanism ensures that bypass is only selected when pipeline stability will not be compromised, while achieving power savings when bypass is safe to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of data flow from always-buffered to conditionally-buffered based on pipeline readiness. By monitoring and responding to changes in processing module states, the system achieves power efficiency through bypass when appropriate while maintaining reliability when buffer operations are required.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image processing device include an image processing section including a pipeline in which a plurality of processing modules is connected in series, each processing modules being configured to perform a predetermined process on input data, and the image processing section performing pipeline processing by the processing modules sequentially performing the process. Each of the processing modules includes a data buffer configured to temporarily store the data in unit of processing, and a control section configured to determine whether or not to store the data in the data buffer on the basis of a state of a data flow in the pipeline processing and a state of the data stored in the data buffer, and to select a path within the processing module by which the data is transferred on the basis of a determination result, and to control an operation of the data buffer.