Radar Memory Bank Segmentation for Head-Up Mode Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar devices face difficulties in maintaining high-speed data readout when the column direction of the image memory differs from the raster-scan direction of the display, leading to inefficient image rendering and delayed updates during ship movement or turning, especially in modes like Head-Up Mode, where pixel data must be read across multiple lines, increasing component and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The radar device configures pixel blocks in the image memory such that M x N pixels are arranged on the same line, allowing for high-speed readout along the raster-scan direction by setting the raster-scan direction to follow the ship's bow direction and using a data reading module to read pixel data based on the ship's position and movement, eliminating the need for additional SRAM and reducing processing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pixel data is read out across multiple lines to accommodate different display modes (e.g., Head-Up Mode), then display versatility is improved, but data readout speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image memory is divided into multiple banks, with each bank capable of independent high-speed readout. This segmentation allows the system to read pixel data from different banks simultaneously or selectively, maintaining high readout speed even when displaying in modes that require reading across multiple lines. The segmentation enables parallel access to different data regions, resolving the contradiction between versatile display mode support and fast data readout.
2Speed
If the Col direction of image memory is fixed to match raster-scan direction, then data readout speed is improved, but display mode flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the image memory system, where the Col direction alignment and bank selection can be adjusted in real-time based on the required display mode. When North-Up mode is selected, the system configures for standard alignment; when Head-Up or Course-Up modes are selected, the system dynamically reconfigures bank selection and readout patterns. This dynamic adaptability maintains high readout speed while supporting flexible display modes.
3Speed
If additional SRAM is added to enable high-speed readout in multiple display modes, then data readout speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing SDRAM banks universal and multi-functional by enabling each bank to serve different display modes through flexible bank selection and configuration. Instead of adding dedicated SRAM for specific modes, the system configures the existing SDRAM banks to handle North-Up, Head-Up, and Course-Up modes interchangeably. This multi-functionality approach maintains high readout speed while avoiding additional hardware complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar device includes an antenna for acquiring data, an image memory including pixel data groups each arranged in a rectangular coordinate system, for converting the acquired data in a polar coordinate system into pixel data in the rectangular coordinate system and storing the pixel data, a data write module for writing the pixel data in the memory such that, when image data is stored in a display mode, pixel blocks each including M×N pixel data are arranged on the same line in the memory, a scanning direction setting module for setting a raster-scan direction, and a data reading module for reading out the image data by reading out the pixel data arranged on the same line in the image memory according to the raster-scan direction.