Feed-forward and feed-back metadata exchange in image processing pipelines to improve image quality

Abstract

Techniques are disclosed for improving operation of image processing systems. A first component generates metadata representing its operational parameters. The metadata is relayed to another component of the image processing pipeline and the other component alters an operational parameter of its operation based on the metadata. In one embodiment, the metadata may be relayed 'upstream' within an image processing system, from a component that is a farther distance from a source of image data to a component that is nearer to the source of image data. In another embodiment, the metadata may be relayed 'downstream' within an image processing system, from a component that is a closer distance from a source of image data to a component that is farther from the source of image data. In still other embodiments, bidirectional exchange of metadata may occur, where a single component receives metadata both from an upstream source and a downstream source. In a further embodiment, a processing system may duplicate a single stream of image data and process each stream separately. In such embodiments, metadata may be generated that is specific to one of the streams, in which case, the metadata may be used to alter an operational parameter of a process specific to its respective stream.