Video processor with programmable input/output stages to enhance system design configurability and improve channel routing

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. provisional Application No. 60/588,647, filed Jul. 16, 2004, entitled “System And Method For Use In Video Processing Including A Programmable Input Device, A Pixel Clock Generator, And A Dual Scaler Architecture,” the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK.

NOT APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to integrated circuits (ICs), and more particularly to video processor ICs in which programmable input and output stages are disposed to provide design flexibility and enhance ease of use.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an input stage 10 of a video processor (not shown) and coupled to video buses CH1[7:0], CH2[7:0] and CH3[7:0], each of which is an 8-bit bus and thus carries 8 video signal lines. Input stage 10 is shown as including, in part, three formatters, namely a 24-bit input formatter 12, a 16-bit input formatter 14, and an 8-bit input formatter 16. As is seen in FIG. 1, input formatter 12 is hardwired to video buses CH1[7:0], CH2[7:0] and CH3[7:0], input formatter 14 is hardwired to video buses CH2[7:0] and CH3[7:0], and input formatter 16 is hardwire to video buses CH3[7:0]. Because the input formatters are hardwired to the buses carrying the input signals, there is no flexibility in reallocating the channel sources supplying the input signals to the input formatters.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are high-level schematic block diagrams of a video processor 50, as known in the prior art. Video processor 50 is shown as including a 24-bit input formatter 52, a 16-bit input formatter 54, and an 8-bit input formatter 56. In FIG. 2A, video processor 50 is shown as receiving data form an 8-bit source 60. Accordingly, source 60 is connected directly to 8-bit input formatter 56. In FIG. 2B, video processor 50 is shown as receiving data form a 16-bit source 65. Accordingly, source 65 is connected directly to 16-bit input formatter 54. In FIG. 2C, video processor 50 is shown as receiving data from a 24-bit source 70. Accordingly, source 70 is connected directly to 24-bit input formatter 52. Therefore, as seen from the above Figures, in prior art video processors, depending on the type and the number of bits carried by each source, a direct connection is made between the source and one of the input-formatters disposed in the video processor at any given time. Because the input formatters are hardwired to the source supplying the input signals, there is no flexibility in reallocating the various sources to the input formatters.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the video signals carried on a multitude of bus lines are selectively applied to multiple input formatters disposed in the input stage of a video signal processor, such as a video processor used in high definition televisions. Each bus carries a number of signal lines. The input stage includes a multiplexing stage which receives the buses and selectively supplies one or more of the buses for delivery to each of the input formatters disposed in the video signal processor. A second multiplexing stage also disposed in the input stage receives the bus lines delivered by the first multiplexing stage both in the original as well as in a changed order. Software controlled register bits coupled to the select terminals of the second multiplexing stage select between the original and the reordered bus lines and deliver the selected bus lines to the input formatters. The reordering of the bus lines makes it easier to, for example, route the bus lines in a printed circuit board (PCB) without cross-over. The software controlled register bits are also applied to the select terminals of the multiplexers disposed in the first multiplexing stage.

In some embodiments, the video signals generated by one or more output formatters disposed in the output stage of the video signal processor are selectively delivered to the output terminals of the video processor. The output stage includes a multiplexing stage which receives the generated signals and selectively supplies one or more of such signals both in the original as well as in a changed order for delivery to the output terminals of the video signal processor. A second multiplexing stage also disposed in the output stage receives the original and the reordered bus lines delivered by the first multiplexing stage. Software controlled register bits coupled to the select terminals of the second multiplexing stage select between the original and the reordered bus lines and deliver the selected bus lines to the output terminals of the video signal processor. The software controlled register bits are also applied to the select terminals of the multiplexers disposed in the first multiplexing stage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified high-level diagram of an input stage of a video signal processor, as known in the prior art.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are high-level schematic block diagrams of a video processor connected directly to sources of video data supplying 8-bit, 16-bit and 24-bit signals, as known in the prior art.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are high-level schematic block diagrams of a video processor, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, connected to receive data from various sources.

FIG. 4 is a simplified high-level diagram of an input stage of a video signal processor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a simplified high-level diagram of an output stage of a video signal processor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the video signals carried on a multitude of bus lines are selectively applied to multiple input formatters disposed in the input stage of a video signal processor, such as a video processor used in high definition televisions. Each bus carries a number of signal lines. The input stage includes a multiplexing stage which receives the buses and selectively supplies one or more of the buses for delivery to each of the input formatters disposed in the video signal processor. A second multiplexing stage also disposed in the input stage receives the bus lines delivered by the first multiplexing stage both in the original as well as in a changed order. Software controlled register bits coupled to the select terminals of the second multiplexing stage select between the original and the reordered bus lines and deliver the selected bus lines to the input formatters. The software controlled register bits are also applied to the select terminals of the multiplexers disposed in the first multiplexing stage.

In some embodiments, the video signals generated by one or more output formatters disposed in the output stage of the video signal processor are selectively delivered to the output terminals of the video processor. The output stage includes a multiplexing stage which receives the generated signals and selectively supplies one or more of such signals both in the original as well as in a changed order for delivery to the output terminals of the video signal processor. A second multiplexing stage also disposed in the output stage receives the original and the reordered bus lines delivered by the first multiplexing stage. Software controlled register bits coupled to the select terminals of the second multiplexing stage select between the original and the reordered bus lines and deliver the selected bus lines to the output terminals of the video signal processor. The software controlled register bits are also applied to the select terminals of the multiplexers disposed in the first multiplexing stage.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are high-level schematic block diagrams of a video processor 80, in accordance with a few exemplary configurations of the present invention. Video processor 80 is shown as including, in part, an input stage 85. Input stage 85, in part, includes, a multiplexing stage 88, a 24-bit input formatter 82, a 16-bit input formatter 84, and an 8-bit input formatter 86.

In FIG. 3A, video processor 80 is shown as receiving data from three 8-bit sources 90, 92, and 94 via multiplexing stage 88 disposed in input stage 85. Multiplexing stage 88 is configured to deliver data from one of the 8-bit sources 90, 92, and 94 to 8-bit input formatter 86. In FIG. 3B, video processor 80 is shown as receiving data from one 16-bit source 90 and one 8-bit source 96 via multiplexing stage 88 disposed in input stage 85. Multiplexing stage 88 is configured to deliver data from the 16-bit source 90 to 16-bit input formatter 84. Multiplexing stage 88 is also configured to deliver data from the 8-bit source 96 to 8-bit input formatter 86. In FIG. 3C, video processor 80 is shown as receiving data from one 24-bit sources 98 via multiplexing stage 88 disposed in input stage 85. Multiplexing stage 88 is configured to deliver data from the 24-bit sources 98 to 24-bit input formatter 82. As is seen from the above exemplary configurations, at any given time more than two sources may supply video data to video processor 80. Furthermore, because the input stage of the video processor, in accordance with the present invention is configurable, any of the video sources may be selectively routed to any of the input formatters, thereby providing enhanced system design configurability and improved channel source routing in systems and applications, such as PCB layout.

Referring to FIG. 2A , accordingly, source 60 is connected directly to 8-bit input formatter 56. In FIG. 2B, video processor 50 is shown as receiving data form a 16-bit source 65. Accordingly, source 65 is connected directly to 16-bit input formatter 54. In FIG. 2C, video processor 50 is shown as receiving data form a 24-bit source 70. Accordingly, source 70 is connected directly to 24-bit input formatter 52. Therefore, as seen from the above Figures, in prior art video processors, depending on the type and the number of bits carried by each source, a direct connection is made between the source and one of the input-formatters disposed in the video processor at any given time. Because the input formatters are hardwired to the source supplying the input signals, there is no flexibility in reallocating the various sources to the input formatters.

FIG. 4 is a high-level block diagram of an exemplary input stage 200 of a video signal processor (not shown), in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Input stage 200 is shown as including first and second multiplexing stages 210, and 220. It is understood, however, that more multiplexing stages may be disposed in input stage 200. Input stage 200 is also shown as including a 24-bit formatter 202, a 16-bit formatter 204, and an 8-bit formatter 206. It is understood, however, that more formatters with other bits may be disposed in input stage 200. Each of the formatters 202, 204, and 206 is configured to handle data having certain timing and other characteristics. For example, the 8-bit formatter 206 is configured to handle higher clock frequency and an encoding scheme with timing synchronization embedded therein. Video buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], and VIDI_CH2[7:0], each of which is an 8-bit bus, are received by input terminals of the video processor (not shown) in which input stage 200 is disposed.

Each of multiplexing stages 210, and 220 includes a multitude of multiplexers. For example, multiplexing stage 210 is shown as including multiplexers 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. Similarly, multiplexing stage 220 is shown as including multiplexers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d. Video bus VIDI_CH0[7:0] is applied to input terminal I0 of each of multiplexers 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d; Video bus VIDI_CH1[7:0] is applied to input terminal I1 of each of multiplexers 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d; and video bus VIDI_CH2[7:0] is applied to input terminal I2 of each of multiplexers 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d. Select terminal S0 and S1 of multiplexer 210a respectively receive bits b0 and b1 of a software controlled register configured to select from among one of the input signals applied to multiplexer 210a. Select terminal S0 and S1 of multiplexer 210b respectively receive bits b2 and b3 of a software controlled register configured to select from among one of the input signals applied to multiplexer 210b. Select terminal S0 and S1 of multiplexer 210c respectively receive bits b4 and b5 of a software controlled register configured to select from among one of the input signals applied to multiplexer 210c. Select terminal S0 and S1 of multiplexer 210d respectively receive bits b6 and b7 of a software controlled register configured to select from among one of the input signals applied to multiplexer 210d.

In response to the signals applied to select terminals S0, S1 of multiplexer 210a, the signals carried by one of the buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], VIDI_CH2[7:0] are supplied by output terminal O0, shown as bus A[7:0]. The other output terminal O1 supplies signal A[0:7] whose bits are reversed with respect to bus A[0:7]. In response to the signals applied to select terminals S0, S1 of multiplexer 210b, the signals carried by one of the video buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], VIDI_CH2[7:0] are supplies by output terminal O0, shown as bus B[7:0]. The other output terminal O1 supplies signal B[0:7] whose bits are reversed with respect to bus B[7:0]. In response to the signals applied to select terminals S0, S1 of multiplexer 210c, the signals carried by one of the video buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], and VIDI_CH2[7:0] are supplies by output terminal O0, shown as bus C[7:0]. The other output terminal O1 supplies signal C[0:7] whose bits are reversed with respect to bus C[7:0]. In response to the signals applied to select terminals S0, S1 of multiplexer 210d, the signals carried by one of the video buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], and VIDI_CH2[7:0] are supplies by output terminal O0, shown as bus D[7:0]. The other output terminal O1 supplies signal D[0:7] whose bits are reversed with respect to bus D[7:0].

Buses A[0:7] and A[7:0] are respectively received by input terminals I0 and I1 of multiplexer 220a disposed in multiplexing stage 220. Multiplexer 220b disposed in multiplexing stage 220 is configured to receive buses B[7:0] and B[0:7] at its respective input terminals I0, I1. Multiplexer 220c disposed in multiplexing stage 220 is configured to receive buses C[7:0] and C[0:7] at its respective input terminals I0, I1. Multiplexer 220d disposed in multiplexing stage 220 is configured to receive buses D[7:0] and D[0:7] at its respective input terminals I0, I1.

In response to the signal b8 applied to select terminal S of multiplexer 220a, the signals carried by one of the buses A[7:0] and A[0:7] is applied to input terminal I0 of 24-bit input formatter 202. In response to the signal b9 applied to select terminal S of multiplexer 220b, the signals carried by one of the buses B[7:0] and B[0:7] is applied to input terminal I1 of 24-bit input formatter 202. In response to the signal b10 applied to select terminal S of multiplexer 220c, the signals carried by one of the buses C[7:0] and C[0:7] is applied to input terminal I2 of 24-bit input formatter 202. Input terminals I0, I1 of input formatter 202 are respectively coupled to input terminals I0, I1 of input formatter 204. In response to the signal b11, the signals carried by one of the buses D[7:0] and D[0:7] is supplied to input terminal I of multiplexer 206.

In accordance with the present invention, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of input stage 200, any one of the buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], and VIDI_CH2[7:0] may be delivered to any one of the input terminals I0, I1, and I2 of input formatter 202, in response to the signals applied to the select terminals of the multiplexers disposed in multiplexing stages 210, and 220. For example, the 8-bits of bus VIDI_CH0[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to input terminal I0 of input formatter 202; the 8 bits of bus VIDI_CH2[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to input terminal I1 of input formatter 202, and the 8-bits of bus VIDI_CH1[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to input terminal I2 of input formatter 202. Similarly, for example, the 8-bits of bus VIDI_CH2[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to input terminal I0 of input formatter 202; the 8 bits of bus VIDI_CH0[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to input terminal I1 of input formatter 202, and the 8-bits of bus VIDI_CH1[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to input terminal I0 of input formatter 202. Similarly, any of the buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], and VIDI_CH2[7:0] may be received by input terminal I of input formatter 206.

In some embodiments, each of the buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], and VIDI_CH2[7:0] may be generated by a different source of video signal. For example, the 8 bits of bus VIDI_CH0[7:0] may be supplied by a television, the 8 bits of bus VIDI_CH1[7:0] may be supplied by a personal computer, and the 8 bits of bus VIDI_CH2[7:0] may be supplied by a high definition video source. In other embodiments, buses VIDI_CH0[7:0], VIDI_CH1[7:0], and VIDI_CH2[7:0] may carry the red, green and blue components associated with the same video signal. Therefore, signal AA[7:0], supplied by multiplexer 220a, may be the Y or the green component of a video source, signal BB[7:0], supplied by multiplexer 220b, may be the U or the blue component of a video source, and signal CC[7:0], supplied by multiplexer 220c may be the V or the red component of a video source. If YUV 4:2:2 components are used, the 16-bit input formatter 204 is adapted to receive the Y component on one of its input terminals (e.g., I0) and the UV component on the other one of its input terminals (e.g., I1). If time multiplexed YUV 4:2:2 components, such as ITU656, are used, 8-bit input formatter 206 is typically adapted to receive the video data on its input terminals.

FIG. 5 is a high-level block diagram of an exemplary output stage 300 of a video signal processor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Output stage 300 is shown as including first and second multiplexing stages 310, and 320. It is understood, however, that more multiplexing stages may be disposed in output stage 300. Output stage 300 is configured to receive buses Y/G[7:0], U/B[7:0] V/R[7:0] and supply signals on output buses VIDO_CH0[7:0], VIDO_CH1[7:0], and VIDO_CH2[7:0], as example of 8-bit bus structure in one instance

Each of multiplexing stages 310, and 320 includes a multitude of multiplexers. For example, multiplexing stage 310 is shown as including multiplexers 310a, 310b, and 310c. Similarly, multiplexing stage 320 is shown as including multiplexers 320a, 320b, and 320c. Video bus Y/G[7:0] is applied to input terminal I0 of each of multiplexers 310a, 310b, and 310c; Video bus U/B[7:0] is applied to input terminal I1 of each of multiplexers 310a, 310b, and 310c; and video bus V/R[7:0] is applied to input terminal I2 of each of multiplexers 310a, 310b, and 310c.

Select terminal S0 and S1 of multiplexer 310a respectively receive bits d0 and d1 of a software controlled register configured to select from among one of the input signals applied to multiplexer 310a. Select terminal S0 and S1 of multiplexer 310b respectively receive bits d2 and d3 of a software controlled register configured to select from among one of the input signals applied to multiplexer 310b. Select terminal S0 and S1 of multiplexer 310c respectively receive bits d4 and d5 of a software controlled register configured to select from among one of the input signals applied to multiplexer 310c.

In response to the signals applied to select terminals S0, S1 of multiplexer 310a, the signals carried by one of the buses Y/G[7:0], U/B[7:0], V/R[7:0] are supplied as output signals O[7:0] by output terminal O0 of multiplexer 310a. The other output terminal O1 of multiplexer 310a supplies signal O[0:7] whose bits are reversed with respect to bus O[7:0]. In response to the signals applied to select terminals S0, S1 of multiplexer 310b, the signals carried by one of the video buses Y/G[7:0], U/B[7:0], V/R[7:0] as output signals P[7:0] by output terminal O0 of multiplexer 310b. The other output terminal O1 supplies signal P[0:7] whose bits are reversed with respect to bus P[7:0]. In response to the signals applied to select terminals S0, S1 of multiplexer 310c, the signals carried by one of the buses Y/G[7:0], U/B[7:0], V/R[7:0] are supplied as output signals Q[7:0] by output terminal O0 of multiplexer 310c. The other output terminal O1 supplies signal Q[0:7] whose bits are reversed with respect to bus Q[7:0].

Buses O[7:0] and 0[0:7] are respectively received by input terminals I0 and I1 of multiplexer 320a disposed in multiplexing stage 320. Multiplexer 320b disposed in multiplexing stage 320 is configured to receive buses P[7:0] and P[0:7] at its respective input terminals I0, I1. Multiplexer 230c disposed in multiplexing stage 230 is configured to receive buses Q[7:0] and Q[0:7] at its respective input terminals I0, I1.

In response to the signal d6 applied to select terminal S of multiplexer 320a, the signals carried by one of the input terminals of multiplexer 320a is supplied as output signal VIDO_CH0[7:0] via output terminal O multiplexer 320a. In response to the signal d7 applied to select terminal S of multiplexer 320b, the signals carried by one of the input terminals of multiplexer 320b is supplied as output signal VIDO_CH1[7:0] via output terminal O multiplexer 320b. In response to the signal d8 applied to select terminal S of multiplexer 320c, the signals carried by one of the input terminals of multiplexer 320c is supplied as output signal VIDO_CH2[7:0] via output terminal O multiplexer 320c.

In accordance with the present invention, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of output stage 300, any one of the buses Y/G[7:0], U/B[7:0], V/R[7:0] may be delivered to the output terminal of any one of the multiplexers 320a, 320b, and 320c. For example, the 8-bits of bus Y/G[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to output terminal O of multiplexer 320a; the 8 bits of bus U/B[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to output terminal O of input formatter 320b, and the 8-bits of bus V/R[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to output terminal O of multiplexer 320c. Similarly, for example, the 8-bits of bus U/B[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to output terminal O of multiplexer 320a; the 8 bits of bus V/R[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to output terminal O of input formatter 320b, and the 8-bits of bus Y/G[7:0], either in their original form or in a reverse order, may be delivered to output terminal O of multiplexer 320c.

In some embodiments, bus Y/G[7:0] may carry either the Y or the green component of a video source, bus U/B[7:0] may carry either the U or the blue component of a video source, and bus V/R[7:0] may carry either V or the red component of a video source.

The above embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and not limiting. Various alternatives and equivalents are possible. The invention is not limited by the number of multiplexing stages disposed in either the input or output stages of the video processor. The invention is not limited by the number of bus lines or the number of signals lines disposed in each bus line. The invention is not limited by the number of channel supplying video signal to the video processor. Nor is the invention limited by the number of input formatters disposed in the video processor. The invention is not limited by the type of integrated circuit in which the present disclosure may be disposed. Nor is the disclosure limited to any specific type of process technology, e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS that may be used to manufacture the present disclosure. Other additions, subtractions or modifications are obvious in view of the present disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.