Programmable Image Pipe Architecture for Flexible Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital still cameras require image pipe processing that is fast, efficient in semiconductor area usage, and flexible, as existing methods using special purpose hardware are inflexible and slower, while programmable processors are slower and more area-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A programmable image pipe processing architecture that combines hardwired and programmable blocks, allowing for flexible software implementation with hardwired performance levels, using scalable architecture and a decoupled access and execute mechanism to optimize performance and algorithm requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If special purpose hardware is used for image pipe processing, then processing speed is improved and semiconductor area usage is reduced, but flexibility and ability to change functions are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic architecture where processing functions can be reconfigured through software loading different instruction sets. The system transitions from static hardwired logic to dynamic programmable logic, allowing the same hardware to adapt its functionality based on software instructions while maintaining hardwired execution speed through optimized instruction pipelines and dedicated processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal processing platform that can perform multiple image processing functions through a single programmable architecture. By implementing a configurable instruction set and reusable processing blocks, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function, thus maintaining speed while gaining flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable data processor is used for image pipe processing, then flexibility is improved, but processing speed decreases and semiconductor area usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing architecture into distinct functional blocks (e.g., separate units for color conversion, compression, filtering) that can be independently configured and executed. This segmentation allows the programmable processor to achieve hardwired-like speed by pipelining operations across specialized blocks while maintaining flexibility through software control of the overall processing flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing software to configure processing parameters (such as filter coefficients, compression settings, and processing algorithms) without changing the underlying hardware structure. This enables the same physical architecture to adapt its behavior and optimize performance for different processing tasks, achieving both speed and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable data processor is used for image pipe processing, then flexibility is improved, but semiconductor area usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by implementing reusable processing blocks and instruction templates that can be instantiated multiple times through software control rather than duplicating physical hardware. The same processing logic can be loaded and executed multiple times as needed, reducing the semiconductor area required compared to having separate hardwired circuits for each processing function.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a programmable image pipe processing architecture that offers full software flexibility to implement latest and greatest algorithms at fully hardwired performance levels. This invention achieves hardwired image pipe processing performance but offers full flexibility and programmability of software achieving the best of both hardwired and software image pipes processing.