Single Image Processor for TV Picture-Out-of-Picture Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TV systems require complex hardware configurations and increased costs to achieve picture-out-picture (POP) functionality, necessitating two sets of image processing hardware to maintain identical image quality and size for concurrent display.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a line buffer, multiplexers, an image processing engine, a scaling engine, and a timing generator to process and scale both pictures using a single set of image processing hardware, allowing for concurrent display without reducing frame rate and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If two sets of hardware are used to decode the two pictures of POP, then identical image quality and size can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image processing functions for both pictures into a single picture processor. The processor alternates between processing the first picture and the second picture using one set of hardware resources, eliminating the need for two separate hardware sets while maintaining processing capability for both images
Solution Approach 2:
The single picture processor operates periodically, switching between processing the first picture and the second picture in alternating cycles. This periodic operation allows one hardware set to serve multiple functions over time, reducing overall hardware complexity while maintaining image quality
2Reliability
If two sets of hardware are used for POP, then both pictures can be processed independently, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the processing capabilities for both pictures into a single hardware set, reducing the total number of components needed and thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to process both images reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The single picture processor is designed to perform multiple functions by alternating between processing the first picture and the second picture. This multi-functionality allows one hardware set to replace two, reducing cost while maintaining processing reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If independent scalers are used for both pictures, then identical output size can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scaling functions into a single scaler that operates alternately on the first picture and the second picture. This eliminates the need for two separate scalers while maintaining the ability to produce identical output sizes for both pictures through sequential processing
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing a television (TV) picture-out-picture (POP) includes a line buffer, a first multiplexer, an image processing engine, a scaling engine and a timing generator. The line buffer receives partial pixels of a first picture and partial pixels of a second picture. The first multiplexer selects the partial pixels of the first and second picture as an output. The image processing engine performs an image processing on the partial pixels output by the first multiplexer to thereby produce processed pixels. The scaling engine performs a scaling operation on the processed pixels to thereby produce scaled pixels. The timing generator produces a timing signal for the image processing engine and the scaling engine and produces enable signals respectively for the first picture and the second picture. The image processing engine and the scaling engine process the partial pixels of the first or second picture in multiplexing.