Seed Value Generator for Dithering Without Buffers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses require line and frame buffers to store mask seed values for dithering, increasing production costs and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that generates a mask seed value for dithering without storing it, using a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) to produce random seed values based on input values, eliminating the need for line and frame buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If line buffer and frame buffer are used to store mask seed values for dithering, then dithering can be performed with stable random seed values, but production costs increase and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mask seed value generation function from the buffer storage system and implements it through a dedicated seed value generator circuit. This separates the random value generation from the buffer storage, allowing the system to generate seeds on-demand without requiring large buffer capacities, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining dithering stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seed value generator automatically generates new mask seed values based on frame count and line count signals without requiring external buffer storage. The system serves itself by internally generating the random seed values needed for dithering, eliminating the need for separate line buffers and frame buffers dedicated to seed storage.
2Reliability
If line buffer and frame buffer are used to store mask seed values for dithering, then dithering can be performed with stable random seed values, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mask seed value generation function from the buffer storage system and implements it through a dedicated seed value generator circuit. This separates the random value generation from the buffer storage, allowing the system to generate seeds on-demand without requiring large buffer capacities, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining dithering stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seed value generator automatically generates new mask seed values based on frame count and line count signals without requiring external buffer storage. The system serves itself by internally generating the random seed values needed for dithering, eliminating the need for separate line buffers and frame buffers dedicated to seed storage.
3Reliability
If mask seed values are generated and stored in buffers, then dithering can be performed, but processing speed decreases due to buffer access operations
Solution Approach 1:
The seed value generator prepares and generates mask seed values in advance for each frame and line, storing them in compact registers. This preliminary generation and storage of seed values eliminates the need for slow buffer access operations during the actual dithering process, thereby improving processing speed while maintaining dithering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frame count and line count signals as intermediaries that control the seed value generator to produce mask seed values at the appropriate timing. This intermediary control mechanism ensures that seed values are generated and made available exactly when needed, eliminating delays associated with traditional buffer access operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces production costs and power consumption while improving processing speed by generating random mask seed values on the fly, without the need for storage buffers.
Implementation Method 1
using a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) to produce random seed values based on input values
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus which performs dithering to an input image, includes: an input value storage unit which stores an input value to generate a mask seed value corresponding to a single pixel in a unit area among a plurality of pixels displaying an image, wherein the unit area includes a first line and at least second line; and a seed value generator which generates the mask seed value corresponding to one of pixels in the at least one second line among the pixels of the unit area based on the input value stored in the input value storage unit.