SIGNAL PROCESSING DEVICE, SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM

There is provided a signal processing device, including a partitioning section which partitions input data into a plurality of different partitioned data, and a plurality of signal processing sections which respectively process the plurality of different partitioned data. The signal processing sections each have a first processing section which performs a first data process targeting the partitioned data, and a communication section which transmits a first processing result by the first processing section to another of the signal processing sections, and receives a second processing result transmitted from another of the signal processing sections.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a signal processing device, a signal processing method and a program, and specifically relates to a signal processing device, a signal processing method and a program, for example, which can process input signals with a larger data amount, without enlarging a chip for signal processing.

BACKGROUND ART

For example, in a Large Scale Integration (LSI) for image processing built into a television receiver or the like, a real-time property is achieved in which an input image input to the television receiver is processed up to a display time of this input image (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

While a television receiver which displays input images of 1920×1080 pixels, for example, by maintaining a real-time property, is currently the mainstream, it is anticipated that input images such as 3840×2160 pixels, 4096×2160 pixels and 7680×4320 pixels, as input images with a higher resolution, will also be adopted in the future.

Further, for example, as shown in A ofFIG. 1through to C ofFIG. 1, the chip size of an LSI will increase as the pixel number of an input image to be a target of image processing increases, and it may be necessary to improve the processing capability of image processing.

That is, as shown in A ofFIG. 1and B ofFIG. 1, in the case of processing an input image of 2160×3840 pixels in an LSI, it may be necessary to process a pixel number of 4 times, when compared with the case of processing an input image of 1920×1080 pixels.

In this case, it may be necessary to improve the processing capability, by setting the chip size of an LSI to a size of approximately 4 times, in order to maintain a real-time property.

Further, similarly, as shown in A ofFIG. 1and C ofFIG. 1, in the case of processing an input image of 7680×4320 pixels in an LSI, it may be necessary to process a pixel number of 16 times, when compared with the case of processing an input image of 1920×1080 pixels.

In this case, it may be necessary to improve the processing capability, by setting the chip size of an LSI to a size of approximately 16 times, in order to maintain a real-time property.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

As described above, the necessity for using a large-sized LSI with a comparatively high price will occur as the resolution of an input image increases.

Accordingly, in the case of manufacturing a television receiver in which such an LSI is built-in, the manufacturing cost of the television receiver will increase, and it may be necessary for a large space to be secured within the television receiver in order for a large-sized LSI to be built-in, and this is not realistic.

The present disclosure is performed by considering such a situation, and can process input signals with a larger data amount, without enlarging a chip for signal processing.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a signal processing device, including a partitioning section which partitions input data into a plurality of different partitioned data, and a plurality of signal processing sections which respectively process the plurality of different partitioned data. The signal processing sections each have a first processing section which performs a first data process targeting the partitioned data, and a communication section which transmits a first processing result by the first processing section to another of the signal processing sections, and receives a second processing result transmitted from another of the signal processing sections.

The signal processing sections each may additionally have an acquisition section which acquires a third processing result obtained at a time when applying the first data process to the input data based on the first processing result and the second processing result, and a second processing section which performs a second data process different to the first data process, the second data process targeting the third processing result acquired by the acquisition section.

The communication section may also transmit, to another of the signal processing sections, setting information showing setting contents to be reflected in the plurality of signal processing sections in addition to the first processing result.

The communication section may cause a timing at which setting contents are reflected based on the setting information to be synchronized with another of the signal processing sections which has received the setting information.

The communication section may transmit the first processing result, along with the second processing result received from another of the signal processing sections, to an additional another of the signal processing sections.

The partitioning section may partition an input image input as the input data into a plurality of different partial images. In each of the signal processing sections, the first processing section may perform the first data process which calculates sub-region information, which is information related to a luminance of sub-regions obtained by dividing the partial images, targeting the partial images, the communication section may transmit first sub-region information obtained as a processing result of the first processing section to another of the signal processing sections, and may receive calculated second sub-region information targeting another of the partial images from another of the signal processing sections, the acquisition section may acquire the first sub-region information calculated by the first processing section and the second sub-region information received by the communication section as third sub-region information obtained at the time when applying the first data process to the input image, and the second processing section may perform the second process which performs lighting for a display of the partial images, and generates backlight data for controlling a part of a backlight, targeting the third sub-region information acquired by the acquisition section.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a signal processing method of a signal processing device including a partitioning section and a plurality of signal processing sections, the method including, by the partitioning section, a partitioning step which partitions input data into a plurality of different partitioned data, and, by each of the signal processing sections, a first processing step which performs a first data process targeting the partitioned data, and a communication step which transmits a first processing result by the first processing step to another of the signal processing sections, and receives a second processing result transmitted from another of the signal processing sections, the partitioning step being performed by the partitioning section, the first processing step and the communication step being performed by each of the signal processing sections.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as a partitioning section which partitions input data into a plurality of different partitioned data, and a plurality of signal processing sections which respectively process the plurality of different partitioned data. The signal processing sections each have a first processing section which performs a first data process targeting the partitioned data, and a communication section which transmits a first processing result by the first processing section to another of the signal processing sections, and receives a second processing result transmitted from another of the signal processing sections.

According to the present disclosure, input data is partitioned into a plurality of different partitioned data, a first data process is performed targeting the partitioned data, these processing results are transmitted to another of the signal processing sections, and processing results transmitted from another of the signal processing sections are received.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to process input signals with a larger data amount, without enlarging a chip for signal processing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment (hereinafter, called the present embodiment) in the present disclosure will be described. Note that, a description will be made in the following order.

1. The present embodiment (an example of a television receiver including a plurality of LSI)

2. Modified example

1. THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT

(Configuration Example of the Television Receiver21)

FIG. 2shows a configuration example of a television receiver21which is the present embodiment.

This television receiver21is constituted from a partitioning section41, Large Scale Integrations (LSI)421and422, a display section43having a backlight43aand a liquid crystal panel43b,a microcomputer (hereinafter, called a microcomputer)44, and an operation section45.

Note that, in the television receiver21, for example, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or the like can be used as the LSI421. This is also the same for the LSI422.

Further, in the television receiver21, image signals as content received from an antenna or the like, which is not shown, or image signals from a reproduction apparatus or the like, which is not shown, are supplied to the partitioning section41.

The partitioning section41partitions the supplied image signals into a plurality of partial signals. That is, for example, the partitioning section41partitions an input image represented by the supplied image signals into a half image R representing the ½ region of the right side of the input image, and a half image L representing the ½ region of the left side of the input image.

Note that, in the present embodiment, while the partitioning section41partitions an input image into the half image R and the half image R each of a same size, it may be partitioned into the half image R and the half image L of different sizes.

Further, while the partitioning section41partitions an input image into the half image R and the half image L as two partial images, it may be partitioned into three or more partial images. For example, the case where an input image is partitioned into 4 ¼ images, as partial images, will be described with reference toFIG. 13.

Then, the partitioning section41supplies the half image R obtained by partitioning to the LSI421, and supplies the half image L obtained by the same partitioning to the LSI422.

The LSI421calculates sub-region information S(r) for each sub-region r constituting the half image R, based on the half image R from the partitioning section41, and transmits it to the LSI422.

Here, sub-region information S(r) is information related to a luminance of each pixel constituting a sub-region r, and represents information, for example, which includes a maximum luminance, average luminance, distribution of luminance (for example, a histogram of luminance), a center of gravity of luminance or the like of each pixel constituting a sub-region r.

Further, the LSI421receives sub-region information S(l) from the LSI422, and generates backlight data and liquid crystal signals for the half image R, based on the received sub-region information S(l) and the calculated sub-region information S(r).

Then, the LSI421performs a control of the backlight43anecessary for outputting the half image R, by supplying the generated backlight data for the half image R to the backlight43a.

Further, the LSI421performs a control of the liquid crystal panel43bnecessary for outputting the half image R, by supplying the generated liquid crystal signals for the half image R to the liquid crystal panel43b.

The LSI422calculates sub-region information S(l) for each sub-region l constituting the half image L, based on the half image L from the partitioning section41, and transmits it to the LSI421.

Further, the LSI422receives sub-region information S(r) from the LSI421, and generates backlight data and liquid crystal signals for the half image L, based on the received sub-region information S(r) and the calculated sub-region information S(l).

Then, the LSI422performs a control of the backlight43anecessary for outputting the half image L, by supplying the generated backlight data for the half image L to the backlight43a.

Further, the LSI422performs a control of the liquid crystal panel43bnecessary for outputting the half image L, by supplying the generated liquid crystal signals for the half image L to the liquid crystal panel43b.

The display section43has the backlight43aand the liquid crystal panel43b.

For example, the backlight43ais constituted from a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED), and is turned on or turned off in accordance with controls from the LSI421and the LSI422.

That is, for example, from among the plurality of LEDs constituting the backlight43a,the LEDs turned on when outputting the half image R are turned on in accordance with a control from the LSI421, and the LEDs turned on when outputting the half image L are turned on in accordance with a control from the LSI422.

The liquid crystal panel43bchanges the transmissivity at which light is transmitted from the backlight43a,in accordance with controls from the LSI421and the LSI422.

That is, for example, in the liquid crystal panel43b,the transmissivity of liquid crystals changing when outputting the half image R is changed in accordance with a control from the LSI421, and the transmissivity of liquid crystals changing when outputting the half image L is changed in accordance with a control from the LSI422.

Then, the liquid crystal panel43boutputs light as an input image constituted from the half image R and the half image L, by causing light to be transmitted from the backlight43a,with the transmissivity after being changed.

For example, the microcomputer44controls the partitioning section41, the LSI421, the LSI422or the like, based on operation signals from the operation section45.

That is, for example, the microcomputer44causes settings or the like of respective registers to change, by controlling the LSI421and the LSI422.

Here, for example, the register of the LSI421represents parameters for setting the operation state of the LSI421.

Note that, changes of the registers performed by the microcomputer44will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 11andFIG. 12.

The operation section45is an operation button or the like operated by a user, and in accordance with an operation of a user, supplies operation signals corresponding to the operation of the user to the microcomputer44.

Next, the reasons for including the 2 LSI421and LSI422, for example, as a plurality of LSI, and not 1 LSI, in the television receiver21will be described with reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 4.

FIG. 3shows an example at the time when the 1 LSI42controls the backlight43aand the liquid crystal panel43b.

For example, the case will be considered in which the 1 LSI42, and not the 2 LSI421and LSI422, is included in the television receiver21.

In this case, as shown inFIG. 4, the LSI42performs blocking which divides an input image input to the television receiver21into 72 sub-regions, for example, in which horizontal×vertical is 12×6.

Further, the LSI42calculates respective sub-region information S(r) and S(l) from the 72 sub-regions obtained by blocking.

Then, the LSI42generates backlight data for the input image and liquid crystal signals for the input image, based on the calculated sub-region information S(r) and S(l).

Here, in the case where the size (data amount) of an input image is comparatively large, the necessity of a large amount of processing time for calculating the sub-region information S(r) and S(l) may occur due to the processing capability of the LSI42, and a real-time property of the television receiver21will not be able to be maintained.

Accordingly, for example, by including the 2 LSI421and LSI422in the television receiver21, the backlight43aand the liquid crystal panel43bcan be promptly controlled, even in the case where the size of an input image is comparatively large.

Accordingly, the television receiver21can maintain a real-time property of the television receiver21, while using a comparatively small-sized LSI421and LSI422.

Next,FIG. 5shows an example at the time when including the 2 LSI421and LSI422.

As shown inFIG. 5, in the case where the 2 LSI421and LSI422are included in the television receiver21, a process which calculates sub-region information S(r) and S(l) from an input image can be distributed by the LSI421and the LSI422.

That is, for example, from among the half images R and L constituting an input image, the half image R is supplied to the LSI421, and the half image L is supplied to the LSI422.

Then, the LSI421calculates sub-region information S(r) from the supplied half image R, and the LSI422calculates sub-region information S(l) from the supplied half image L.

Accordingly, for example, sub-region information S(r) and S(l) can be calculated more promptly, when compared to the case where the 1 LSI42calculates sub-region information S(r) and S(l) from an input image.

However, only the half image R is supplied, and the half image L is not supplied, to the LSI421. Accordingly, as shown in the upper side ofFIG. 5, the LSI421is not able to acquire sub-region information S(l) calculated from the half image L.

Further, similarly, only the half image L is supplied, and the half image R is not supplied, to the LSI422. Accordingly, as shown in the lower side ofFIG. 5, the LSI4212is not able to acquire sub-region information S(r) calculated from the half image R.

In the case where the LSI421generates backlight data for the half image R, sub-region information S(l) calculated from the half image L may also be necessary, in addition to sub-region information S(r) calculated from the half image R.

Since light is dispersed and output from each LED constituting the backlight43a,it may be necessary for this to generate backlight data by also considering the dispersion of this light.

That is, from among the plurality of LEDs constituting the backlight43a,it may be necessary for the LSI421to generate backlight data for the half image R, by also considering the LEDs which are turned on for the half image L, in addition to the LEDs which are turn on for the half image R. This is the same for the case in which the LSI421generates liquid crystal signals for the half image R.

Further, similarly, in the case where the LSI422generates backlight data for the half image L, sub-region information S(r) calculated from the half image R may also be necessary, in addition to sub-region information S(l) calculated from the half image L.

Accordingly, the LSI421and the LSI422acquire sub-region information which is not able to be calculated by themselves, by mutually transmitting and receiving respectively calculated sub-region information.

Next,FIG. 6shows a detailed configuration example of the LSI421and the LSI422which mutually transmit and receive calculated sub-region information.

The LSI421is constituted from a block statistic section611, a BL strength determination section621, a BL control section631, a diffused light amount calculation section641, and a correction section651.

Further, similarly to LSI421, the LSI422is constituted from a block statistic section612, a BL strength determination section622, a BL control section632, a diffused light amount calculation section642, and a correction section652.

Note that, hereinafter, in the case where it is not necessary to respectively differentiate the block statistic section611through to the correction section651of the LSI421and the block statistic section612through to the correction section652of the LSI422, they will simply be called a block statistic section61through to a correction section65.

Half images from the partitioning section41are supplied to the block statistic section61. The block statistic section61calculates respective sub-region information from each of the sub-regions constituting the half images from the partitioning section41.

Then, the block statistic section61acquires all of the sub-region information calculated from an input image, by mutually transmitting and receiving the calculated sub-region information.

That is, for example, the block statistic section611transmits the calculated sub-region information S(r) to the block statistic section612, and receives the sub-region information S(l) transmitted from the block statistic section612.

Further, for example, the block statistic section612transmits the calculated sub-region information S(l) to the block statistic section611, and receives the sub-region information S(r) transmitted from the block statistic section611.

In this way, the block statistic section611and the block statistic section612can acquire the sub-region information S(l) and S(r) calculated from an input image.

Then, the block statistic section61supplies the acquired sub-region information S(l) and S(r) to the BL strength determination section62.

The BL strength determination section62generates backlight data BL for controlling the brightness of the backlight43awhen outputting the half images, based on the sub-region information S(l) and S(r) from the block statistic section61, and supplies it to the BL control section63and the diffused light amount calculation section64.

That is, for example, the BL strength determination section621generates backlight data BLRwhen outputting the half image R, based on the sub-region information S(l) and S(r) from the block statistic section611, and supplies it to the BL control section631and the diffused light amount calculation section641.

Further, for example, the BL strength determination section622generates backlight data BLLwhen outputting the half image L, based on the sub-region information S(l) and S(r) from the block statistic section612, and supplies it to the BL control section632and the diffused light amount calculation section642.

The BL control section63controls the brightness of the LEDs used when outputting the half image, from among the plurality of LEDs constituting the backlight43a,based on the backlight data BL from the BL strength determination section62.

That is, for example, the BL control section631controls the brightness of the LEDs arranged on the right side (the LEDs used when outputting the half image R), from among the plurality of LEDs constituting the backlight43a,based on the backlight data BLRfrom the BL strength determination section621.

Further, for example, the BL control section632controls the brightness of the LEDs arranged on the left side (the LEDs used when outputting the half image L), from among the plurality of LEDs constituting the backlight43a,based on the backlight data BLLfrom the BL strength determination section622.

The diffused light amount calculation section64calculates (calculates) the extent of the diffusion of light from each of the LEDs constituting the backlight43a,based on the backlight data BL from the BL strength determination section62, and supplies this calculation result to the correction section65.

Namely, for example, the diffused light amount calculation section641calculates (calculates) the extent of the diffusion of light from the backlight43aat the time when outputting the half image R, based on the backlight data BLRfrom the BL strength determination section621,and supplies this calculation result to the correction section651.

Further, for example, the diffused light amount calculation section642calculates (calculates) the extent of the diffusion of light from the backlight43aat the time when outputting the half image L, based on the backlight data BLLfrom the BL strength determination section622, and supplies this calculation result to the correction section652.

A half image the same as that supplied to the block statistic section61is supplied from the partitioning section41, by delaying from the timing at which the half image is supplied to the block statistic section61, to the correction section65.

The correction section65corrects the half image supplied from the partitioning section41into liquid crystal signals for this half image, based on the calculation result from the diffused light amount calculation section64. Note that, liquid crystal signals for a half image represent signals for controlling the transmissivity of the liquid crystal panel43bchanged when outputting the half image.

Then, the correction section65controls the transmissivity of the liquid crystal panel43b,by supplying the liquid crystal signals for the half image obtained by correction to the liquid crystal panel43b,and causes the half image to be output as transmitted light, by causing light from the backlight43ato be transmitted with the transmissivity after being controlled.

That is, for example, the correction section651corrects the half image R supplied from the partitioning section41into liquid crystal signals PRfor the half image R, based on the calculation result from the diffused light amount calculation section641. Then, the correction section651controls the transmissivity of the liquid crystal panel43b,by supplying the liquid crystal signals PRfor the half image R to the liquid crystal panel43b,and causes the half image R to be output as transmitted light, by causing light from the backlight43ato be transmitted with the transmissivity after being controlled.

Further, for example, the correction section652corrects the half image L supplied from the partitioning section41into liquid crystal signals PLfor the half image L, based on the calculation result from the diffused light amount calculation section642. Then, the correction section652controls the transmissivity of the liquid crystal panel43b,by supplying the liquid crystal signals PLfor the half image L to the liquid crystal panel43b,and causes the half image L to be output as transmitted light, by causing light from the backlight43ato be transmitted with the transmissivity after being controlled.

Next,FIG. 7shows a detailed configuration example of the block statistic sections611and612.

The block statistic section611is constituted from a calculation section811in which an SRAM81a1is built-in, a Serial Parallel Interface (SPI)821, an SRAM831, and an integration section841in which an SRAM84a1is built-in.

Further, similar to the block statistic section611, the block statistic section612is constituted from a calculation section812in which an SRAM81a2is built-in, an SPI822, an SRAM832, and an integration section842in which an SRAM84a2is built-in.

The calculation section811performs blocking, for example, which divides the half image R from the partitioning section41into each of 6×6 (=36) sub-regions r1through to r36.

Then, the calculation section811calculates respective sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from each of the sub-regions r1through to r36obtained by this blocking, and causes it to be supplied to and held in the built-in SRAM81a1.

Further, the calculation section811reads sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from the SRAM81a1, and supplies it to the SPI821and the integration section841.

Note that, the calculation section812of the block statistic section612performs processes similar to those of the calculation section811, reads sub-region information S(k1) through to S(l36) from the built-in SRAM81a2, and supplies it to the SPI822and the integration section842.

The SPI821transmits the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from the calculation section811to the SPI822, receives the sub-region information S(l1) through to S(l36) from the SPI822, and causes it to be supplied to and held in the SRAM831.

Note that, similar to the SPI821, the SPI822of the block statistic section612transmits the sub-region information S(l1) through to S(l36) from the calculation section812to the SPI821, receives the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from the SPI821, and causes it to be supplied to and held in the SRAM832.

The SRAM831holds the sub-region information S(l1) through to S(l36) from the SPI811, and outputs the held sub-region information S(l1) through to S(l36) to the integration section841, in accordance with a reading instruction from the integration section841.

Note that, similar to the SRAM831, the SRAM832of the block statistic section612holds the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from the SPI812, and outputs the held sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) to the integration section842, in accordance with a reading instruction from the integration section842.

The integration section841causes the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from the calculation section811to be supplied to and held in the built-in SRAM84a1. Further, the integration section841reads the sub-region information S(l1) through to S(l36) held in the SRAM831, and causes it to be supplied to and held in the built-in SRAM84a1.

Then, the integration section841supplies the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) and S(l1) through to S(l36) held in the built-in SRAM84a1to the BL strength determination section621, as sub-region information calculated from the input image.

Incidentally, the integration section841may also calculate entire region information, which includes a maximum luminance, average luminance, distribution of luminance or the like within the entire region constituting the input image, based on the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) and S(l1) through to S(l36), and may supply it to the BL strength determination section621.

In this case, in addition to the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) and S(l1) through to S(l36) from the integration section841, the BL strength determination section621calculates backlight data for the half image R, based on the entire region information.

Note that, similar to the integration section841, the integration section842of the block statistic section612supplies the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) and S(l1) through to S(l36) held in the built-in SRAM84a2to the BL strength determination section622, as sub-region information calculated from the input image.

Next,FIG. 8shows an example of the timing of processes performed by the block statistic section611and the block statistic section612.

For example, as shown in the left side A ofFIG. 8, when an input image A of a first frame is input to the partitioning section41of the television receiver21, the partitioning section41partitions the input image A into a half image R and a half image L.

Further, the partitioning section41supplies the half image R obtained by partitioning to the block statistic section611, and the half image L obtained by the same partitioning to the block statistic section612.

Then, as shown in the left side B ofFIG. 8, the block statistic sections611and612block the input image A into each of the sub-regions r1through to r36and through to l36. Then, the block statistic sections611and612calculate sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) and S(l1) through to S(l36) from each of the sub-regions r1through to r36and l1through to l36obtained by this blocking.

That is, the block statistic section611blocks the half image R, and calculates sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from each of the sub-regions r1through to r36obtained by this blocking.

Further, similarly, the block statistic section612blocks the half image L, and calculates sub-region information S(l1) through to S(l36) from each of the sub-regions llthrough to l36obtained by this blocking.

Then, in a communication period such as shown in the left side C ofFIG. 8, the block statistic section611and the block statistic section612mutually perform communication for acquiring each other's sub-region information. In this way, the block statistic section611and the block statistic section612acquire the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) and S(l1) through to S(l36) calculated from the input image A.

Note that, for example, this communication is performed within a vertical blanking period from displaying an input image up to displaying the next input image.

Further, after the end of the communication shown in the left side C ofFIG. 8, the block statistic section611supplies the sub-region information calculated from the input image to the BL strength determination section621, and the block statistic section612supplies the sub-region information calculated from the input image to the BL strength determination section622.

Then, after the end of the vertical blanking period, the processes by the BL strength determination section621through to the correction section651of the LSI421, and the processes by the BL strength determination section622through to the correction section652of the LSI421, are performed as later processes A shown in the right side D ofFIG. 8, and an input image A is displayed.

Further, as shown in the right side A ofFIG. 8, when an input image B of a second frame is input to the partitioning section41of the television receiver21, processes the same as the time when the input image A of the first frame is input are performed, and similar processes are repeated for input images of a third frame onwards.

That is, processes, such as blocking shown in the right side B ofFIG. 8and communication shown in the right side C ofFIG. 8, are performed for the input image B.

(Operation Description of the Television Receiver21)

Next, a partial drive process performed by the television receiver21will be described with reference to the flow chart ofFIG. 9.

This partial drive process is started, for example, at the time when a power supply of the television receiver21is turned on. At this time, an input image received by an antenna or the like, which is not illustrated, is input to the partitioning section41of the television receiver21.

In step S21, the partitioning section41partitions the input image input to here into a half image R and a half image L, for example, and respectively supplies the half image R to the block statistic section611of the LSI421, and the half image L to the block statistic section612of the LSI422.

In step S22, the block statistic section611performs a block statistic process which acquires sub-region information S(r) and S(l) calculated from the input image, by integrating sub-region information S(r) calculated from the half image R and sub-region information S(l) calculated from the half image L. The details of this block statistic process will be described in detail with reference to the flow chart ofFIG. 10.

Further, in step S22, the block statistic section612performs a block statistic process similar to that of the block statistic section611.

In step S23, the BL strength determination section62generates backlight data BL for controlling the brightness of the backlight when outputting the half images, based on the sub-region information S(l) and S(r) from the block statistic section61, and supplies it to the BL control section63and the diffused light amount calculation section64.

In step S24, the BL control section63controls the brightness of the LEDs to emit light when outputting the half image, from among the plurality of LEDs constituting the backlight43a,based on the backlight data BL from the BL strength determination section62.

In step S25, the diffused light amount calculation section64calculates (calculates) the extent of the diffusion of light from the backlight43a,based on the backlight data BL from the BL strength determination section62, and supplies this calculation result to the correction section65.

In step S26, the correction section65generates liquid crystal signals for the half image, by correcting the half image supplied from the partitioning section41, based on the calculation result from the diffused light amount calculation section64.

In step S27, the correction section65controls the transmissivity of the liquid crystal panel43b,by supplying the liquid crystal signals for the half image obtained by correction to the liquid crystal panel43b,and causes the half image to be output as transmitted light, by causing light from the backlight43ato be transmitted with the transmissivity after being controlled.

Then, when a new input image is supplied to the partitioning section41, the process returns to step S21, and processes similar to those onwards are performed. Note that, this partial drive process ends at the time when the power supply of the television receiver21is turned off or the like.

(Details of the Block Statistic Process)

Next, the details of the block statistic process in step S22ofFIG. 9will be described with reference to the flow chart ofFIG. 10.

Note that, the block statistic section611and block statistic section61, respectively perform a similar block statistic process. Therefore, inFIG. 10, a description will be made only for the block statistic process performed by the block statistic section611, and a description of the block statistic process performed by the block statistic section612will be omitted.

In step S41, the calculation section811of the block statistic section611blocks the half image R from the partitioning section41, and divides it, for example, into each of 6×6 (=36) sub-regions r1through to r36.

In step S42, the calculation section811calculates respective sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from each of the sub-regions r1through to r36obtained by this blocking, and causes it to be supplied to and held in the built-in SRAM81a1.

Further, the calculation section811reads sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from the built-in SRAM81a1, and supplies it to the SPI821and the integration section841.

In step S43, the SPI821of the block statistic section611transmits sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from the calculation section811to the SPI822of the other block statistic section612.

In step S44, the SPI821of the block statistic section611receives the sub-region information S(l1) through to S(l36) from the SPI822of the other block statistic section612, and causes it to be supplied to and held in the SRAM831.

In step S45, the integration section841of the block statistic section611causes the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) from the calculation section811to be supplied to and held in the built-in SRAM84a1. Further, the integration section841reads the sub-region information S(l1) through to S(l36) held in the SRAM831, and causes it to be supplied to and held in the built-in SRAM84a1.

Then, the integration section841acquires the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) and S(l1) through to S(l36) held in the built-in SRAM84a1as sub-region information calculated from the input image, supplies it to the BL strength determination section621, and this process returns to step S22ofFIG. 9.

As described above, according to the partial drive process ofFIG. 9, since the processes are caused to be distributed by using the 2 LSI421and LSI422, the load applied to the 1 LSI421(or the LSI422) can be reduced.

Accordingly, the backlight43aand the liquid crystal panel43bcan be promptly controlled, by using a small-sized LSI421and LSI422, even at the time when the size of an input image is large.

Further, since it may not be necessary to use a large-sized LSI with a comparatively high cost, the manufacturing cost of the television receiver21can be reduced. In addition, since it may not be necessary to include a large space in order for a large-sized LSI to be built-in, at the time of manufacturing the television receiver21, the television receiver21can be more easily manufactured, when compared to the case of manufacturing a television receiver in which a large-sized LSI is built-in.

Next, the case where the microcomputer44changes the state of the registers of the LSI421and LSI422will be described with reference toFIG. 11andFIG. 12.

Next,FIG. 11shows an example at the time when the microcomputer44changes the state of respective registers, by individually controlling the LSI421and the LSI422.

A state is shown in A ofFIG. 11in which the microcomputer44causes the state of respective registers to change from a state A to a state B, by individually controlling the LSI421and the LSI422.

A state is shown in the upper side B ofFIG. 11in which the LSI421changes a state A of the register to a state B, with a timing at which a third rising edge from the left occurs, in a vertical synchronization signal.

Further, a state is shown in the lower side B ofFIG. 11in which the LSI422changes a state A of the register to a state B, with a timing at which a second rising edge from the left occurs, in a vertical synchronization signal.

Note that, for example, the vertical synchronization signal is supplied from the microcomputer44to the LSI421and the LSI422.

For example, in the case where the microcomputer44supplies register changing information to the LSI422, directly before a second rising edge from the left occurs, the LSI422changes a state A of the register to a state B, by synchronizing the timing at which the second rising edge from the left occurs, such as shown in the lower side B ofFIG. 11.

Here, for example, register changing information is called information for causing a state A of a register to change to a state B.

Further, for example, in the case where the microcomputer44supplies register changing information to the LSI421, directly after a second rising edge from the left occurs, the LSI421changes a state A of the register to a state B, by synchronizing the timing at which the third rising edge from the left occurs, such as shown in the upper side B ofFIG. 11.

This is generally due to changing the state of the register, with a timing at which a rising edge occurs, in the vertical synchronization signal, by the LSI421and the LSI422.

In the case where the microcomputer44causes the register to change, by individually supplying the register changing information to the LSI421and the LSI422, the state of the registers of the LSI421and the LSI422not being able to change with a same timing can occur, such as shown in the upper side B ofFIG. 11and the lower side B ofFIG. 11.

Here, for example, the microcomputer44supplies the register changing information to only the 1 LSI421, and the LSI421transmits the register changing information from the microcomputer44, along with the sub-region information S(r1) through to S(r36) calculated from the half image R, to the LSI422.

Also, it is desirable for the LSI421and the LSI422to synchronize the timing at which changes are reflected based on the register changing information, when performing the next communication.

Next,FIG. 12shows an example at the time when the microcomputer44changes the state of the registers of the 2 LSI421and LSI422, by supplying the register changing information to only the 1 LSI421.

A state is shown in A ofFIG. 12in which the microcomputer44supplies the register changing information to only the LSI421, and the LSI421transmits the register changing information from the microcomputer44to the LSI422.

A state is shown in B ofFIG. 12in which the LSI421which has acquired the register changing information from the microcomputer44, and the LSI42, which has received the register changing information from the LSI421, change a state C of the register to a state D, by reflecting the register changing information with a same timing.

For example, the LSI421transmits the register changing information from the microcomputer44, along with the sub-region information, to the LSI422.

Then, the LSI421and the LSI422reflect the register changing information, with a timing synchronized by respective communication between the LSI421and LSI422(a timing at which a second rising edge from the left occurs).

As shown in B ofFIG. 12, by taking the synchronization of a timing at which the register changing information is reflected, by communication performed between the LSI421and the LSI422, it becomes possible for the LSI421and the LSI422to change the registers with a same timing.

Further, in the present embodiment, while the 2 LSI421and LSI422are included in the television receiver21, 3 or more LSI can be included.

Next,FIG. 13shows an example at the time when including the4LSI42athrough to42din the television receiver21.

Note that, only the LSI42athrough to42dincluded in the television receiver21are illustrated inFIG. 13, and illustrations of the other blocks are omitted.

For example, as shown inFIG. 13, in the case were the4LSI42athrough to42dare included, the partitioning section41divides an input image into4, for example, and respectively supplies the 4 ¼ images obtained as a result of this to the LSI42athrough to42d.

The LSI42aperforms processes similar to those of the above described LSI421and LSI422, targeting the supplied ¼ images, and calculates sub-region information a from the ¼ images. Further, similarly, the LSI42b,LSI42cand LSI42drespectively calculate sub-region information b, c and d.

Then, as shown inFIG. 13, in first time communication performed between the LSI42athrough to42d,the LSI42atransmits the sub-region information a to the LSI42b,and receives the sub-region information b from the LSI42b.

Further, in the first time communication, the LSI42ctransmits the sub-region information c to the LSI42d,and receives the sub-region information d from the LSI42d.

In this way, after the end of the first time communication, the LSI42aand the LSI42bhold the sub-region information a and b, and the LSI42cand the LSI42dhold the sub-region information c and d.

Further, as shown inFIG. 13, in second time communication performed between the LSI42athrough to42d,the LSI42atransmits the sub-region information a and b to the LSI42c,and receives the sub-region information c and d from the LSI42c.

Further, in the second time communication, the LSI42btransmits the sub-region information a and b to the LSI42d,and receives the sub-region information c and d from the LSI42d.

In this way, after the end of the second time communication, the LSI42athrough to42deach hold the sub-region information a through to d.

Note that, inFIG. 13, in the first time communication, the LSI42aand the LSI42bcommunicate, and the LSI42cand the LSI42dcommunicate. Further, in the second time communication, the LSI42aand the LSI42ccommunicate, and the LSI42band the LSI42dcommunicate.

However, it is not limited to the frequency or order of communication, the combination of communicating LSI or the like. That is, for example, in the first time communication, the LSI42aand the LSI42cmay communicate and the LSI42band the LSI42dmay communicate, and in the second time communication, the LSI42aand the LSI42bmay communicate, and the LSI42cand the LSI42dmay communicate.

Further, for example, the number of LSI is not limited to4, and a configuration in which the number of LSI is made to be 8 (=23) can be adopted, if performing third time communication. In addition, for example, similarly, the number of LSI can be made to be 16 (=24), if performing fourth time communication.

That is, a configuration in which the number of LSI is made to be 2Ncan be adopted, if performing N time communication.

Next,FIG. 14shows an example of the timing of processes performed by the LSI42athrough to42dofFIG. 13.

For example, as shown in the left side A ofFIG. 14, when an input image A of a first frame is input to the partitioning section41of the television receiver21, the partitioning section41partitions the input image A into 4 ¼ images.

Further, the partitioning section41respectively supplies the 4 ¼ images obtained by partitioning to the LSI42athrough to42d.

Then, as shown in the left side B ofFIG. 14, the LSI42athrough to42drespectively block the ¼ images into each of the sub-regions. Then, the LSI42athrough to42dcalculate sub-region information from each of the sub-regions obtained by this blocking.

Afterwards, in a communication period such as shown in the left side C ofFIG. 14, first time communication shown inFIG. 13is performed between the LSI42athrough to42b.Further, in a communication period such as shown in the left side D ofFIG. 14, second time communication shown inFIG. 13is performed between the LSI42athrough to42d.

In this way, the LSI42athrough to42deach hold the sub-region information a through to d the same as the sub-region information calculated from the input image.

As shown in E ofFIG. 14, the LSI42athrough to42drespectively perform later processes A using the held sub-region information a through to d, after the end of the second time communication.

Note that, processes the same as those of the input image A of the first frame are also performed for an input image B of a second frame, and from here onwards, the same processes are repeated.

2. MODIFIED EXAMPLE

In the present embodiment, while the television receiver21including the LSI421and the LSI422is described, other than this, for example, the present disclosure can also be applied to an imaging apparatus including the LSI421and the LSI422. That is, an electronic device including a plurality of LSI is not limited to the television receiver21.

Further, in the present embodiment, for example, while the LSI421controls the display of the half image R, and the LSI422controls the display of the half image L, other than this, for example, the processes performed by the LSI421and the LSI422are not limited to this.

That is, for example, if there are processes performed by including all information obtained from an input image, the LSI421and the LSI422can also perform such processes. Further, the processing target is also not limited to an input image, and audio signals can be made a processing target.

Specifically, for example, in the case where the LSI421and the LSI422are included in an imaging apparatus having an imaging element, the LSI421and the LSI422can perform, for example, a camera shake correction process or the like which reduces camera shake or the like occurring in an input image, in accordance with the movement of each region constituting the input image from the imaging element.

Specifically, for example, the LSI421detects a movement vector mv(R) of each region constituting the half image R, and the LSI422detects a movement vector mv(L) of each region constituting the half image L. Then, the LSI421transmits the movement vector mv(R) detected from the half image R to the LSI422, and receives the movement vector mv(L) from the LSI422.

In this way, the LSI421and the LSI422each acquire the movement vectors mv(R) and mv(L) the same as the movement vectors of each region constituting the input image.

The LSI421corrects camera shake or the like occurring in the half image R, based on the acquired movement vectors mv(R) and mv(L), and the LSI422corrects camera shake or the like occurring in the half image L, based on the acquired movement vectors mv(R) and mv(L).

Note that, in an imaging apparatus such as a camera, the half image R and the half image L after camera shake correction are set to 1 image, that is, an input image after camera shake correction, and it is held, for example, in a memory or the like within the imaging apparatus.

A signal processing device, including:

a partitioning section which partitions input data into a plurality of different partitioned data; and

a plurality of signal processing sections which respectively process the plurality of different partitioned data,

wherein the signal processing sections each havea first processing section which performs a first data process targeting the partitioned data, anda communication section which transmits a first processing result by the first processing section to another of the signal processing sections, and receives a second processing result transmitted from another of the signal processing sections.
(2)

The signal processing device according to (1),

wherein the signal processing sections each additionally havean acquisition section which acquires a third processing result obtained at a time when applying the first data process to the input data based on the first processing result and the second processing result, anda second processing section which performs a second data process different to the first data process, the second data process targeting the third processing result acquired by the acquisition section.
(3)

The signal processing device according to (1) or (2),wherein the communication section also transmits, to another of the signal processing sections, setting information showing setting contents to be reflected in the plurality of signal processing sections in addition to the first processing result.
(4)

The signal processing device according to (3),

wherein the communication section causes a timing at which setting contents are reflected based on the setting information to be synchronized with another of the signal processing sections which has received the setting information.

The signal processing device according to (1) to (4),

wherein the communication section transmits the first processing result, along with the second processing result received from another of the signal processing sections, to an additional another of the signal processing sections.

The signal processing device according to (2),

wherein the partitioning section partitions an input image input as the input data into a plurality of different partial images, and

wherein, in each of the signal processing sections,the first processing section performs the first data process which calculates sub-region information, which is information related to a luminance of sub-regions obtained by dividing the partial images, targeting the partial images,the communication section transmits first sub-region information obtained as a processing result of the first processing section to another of the signal processing sections, and receives calculated second sub-region information targeting another of the partial images from another of the signal processing sections,the acquisition section acquires the first sub-region information calculated by the first processing section and the second sub-region information received by the communication section as third sub-region information obtained at the time when applying the first data process to the input image, andthe second processing section performs the second process which performs lighting for a display of the partial images, and generates backlight data for controlling a part of a backlight, targeting the third sub-region information acquired by the acquisition section.
(7)

A signal processing method of a signal processing device including a partitioning section and a plurality of signal processing sections, the method including:

by the partitioning section,a partitioning step which partitions input data into a plurality of different partitioned data, and

by each of the signal processing sections,a first processing step which performs a first data process targeting the partitioned data, anda communication step which transmits a first processing result by the first processing step to another of the signal processing sections, and receives a second processing result transmitted from another of the signal processing sections.
(8)

A program for causing a computer to function as:

a partitioning section which partitions input data into a plurality of different partitioned data; and

a plurality of signal processing sections which respectively process the plurality of different partitioned data,

wherein the signal processing sections each havea first processing section which performs a first data process targeting the partitioned data, anda communication section which transmits a first processing result by the first processing section to another of the signal processing sections, and receives a second processing result transmitted from another of the signal processing sections.

Incidentally, the above mentioned series of processes can, for example, be executed by hardware, or can be executed by software. In the case where the series of processes is executed by software, a program configuring this software is installed in a computer from a medium recording a program. Here, examples of the computer include a computer incorporated into specialized hardware, and a general-purpose personal computer which is capable of executing various functions by installing various programs.

[Example of Computer Configuration]

FIG. 15shows a hardware configuration example of a computer that performs the above-described series of processing using a program.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit)201executes various processing according to programs stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory)202or a storage unit208. The RAM (Random Access Memory)203appropriately stores the programs executed by the CPU201, data, and the like. The CPU201, the ROM202, and the RAM203are connected to each other through a bus204.

In addition, an input/output interface205is connected to the CPU201through the bus204. An input unit206and output unit207are connected to the input/output interface205, the input unit206including a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and the like, the output unit207including a display, a speaker, and the like. The CPU201executes various processing in accordance with respective instructions input from the input unit206. Then, the CPU201outputs the processing result to the output unit207.

The storage unit208connected to the input/output interface205includes, for example, a hard disk, and stores the programs to be executed by the CPU201and various data. A communication unit209communicates with an external apparatus through a network such as the Internet or a local area network.

In addition, programs may be acquired through the communication unit209and stored in the storage unit208.

A drive210is connected to the input/output interface205. When a removable medium211such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magnetic-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is loaded onto the drive210, the drive210drives the removable medium211and acquires programs, data, and the like stored in the removable medium211. The acquired programs and data are transferred to the storage unit208as necessary, and are stored in the storage unit208.

The recording medium that records (stores) the program to be installed in the computer and made executable by the computer includes: the removable medium211which is a package medium including a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (including a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), a magnetic-optical disk (including an MD (Mini-Disc)), a semiconductor memory, and the like; the ROM202that temporarily or permanently stores the programs; the hard disk forming the storage unit208; and the like, as illustrated inFIG. 15. The program is recorded in the recording medium as necessary through the communication unit209which is an interface such as a router or a modem, by utilizing a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcast.

In the present disclosure, steps of describing the above series of processes may include processing performed in time-series according to the description order and processing not processed in time-series but performed in parallel or individually.

Further, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST