WO2007111440A1

WO2007111440A1 - Portable device and serial interface method

Info

Publication number: WO2007111440A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/001414
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yong-Hwan Kim; Kyung-Chul Min
Original assignee: Mtekvision Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-03-24
Filing date: 2007-03-22
Publication date: 2007-10-04
Also published as: KR100694670B1

Abstract

A portable device and a method for transmitting data in series in a portable terminal are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the portable terminal an image sensor, generating raw data corresponding to a photographed subject and outputs the raw data by a serial transmitting method; and a multimedia control processor, converting the raw data, inputted from the image by the serial transmitting method, into parallel bit data, and generating image data by using the raw data converted into the parallel bit data. With the present invention, a portable terminal can be miniaturized due to less data connection lines between each element in spite of having quick transmission speed.

Description

[DESCRIPTION]

[Invention Title]

PORTABLE DEVICE AND SERIAL INTERFACE METHOD

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a portable device, more specifically to a

portable device and a method for transmitting data in series in a portable terminal.

[Background Art]

An operation for processing data between a plurality of elements is typically

classified into a calculation operation, performing the specific calculation of data, and a

transmission operation, transmitting the calculated data to another element in order to

perform another operation.

The method of transmitting data is typically classified into a serial method and

a parallel method in accordance with a processing type in unit time, a synchronous

method and an asynchronous method in accordance with a transmission unit type and a

simplex method, a half-duplex method and full-duplex method in accordance with a

transmission direction.

According to the parallel method of the data transmitting method, each data of

n bits loaded on a bus is transmitted in parallel at the same time. According to the serial method, the data of n bits to be transmitted is converted into a serial stream and is

substantially transmitted.

The parallel transmitting method typically has a quicker transmission speed

than the serial transmitting method due to simultaneously transmitting data. However,

since the parallel transmitting method should divide data into a plurality of pieces to

transmit the divided pieces through various paths, a portable terminal with use of the

parallel transmitting method has complicated data transmission lines (e.g. increased

number of transmission pins) and its bigger external appearance.

A method for processing data in the conventional portable terminal will be

described with reference to FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the conventional portable terminal includes an image

sensor 100, a multimedia control processor (MCP) 110, a baseband module 120, a

display 130 and a memory 140.

The image sensor 110 generates and outputs raw data corresponding to a

subject photographed by a camera.

The MCP 110 performs the image processing by using the raw data inputted

from the image sensor according to the control of the image sensor 100. Particularly, the

MCP 110 can convert the inputted raw data into YUV data and outputs the converted

YUV data through the display 130. Also, the MCP 110 can generate encoded image

data by using the converted YUV data and transfers to the baseband module 120, outputs through the display 130 or stores in the memory 140, the encoded image data. In

addition, the MCP 110 can further carry out the decoding processing such that the

image data can be displayed through the display 130.

The baseband module 120 generates a control signal for controlling each

element to control whole function of the portable terminal. For example, the baseband

module 120 can be realized as a baseband chip.

The display 130 outputs information necessary for the portable terminal and

the image processed by the MCP 110.

The memory 140 stores information related on the photographed image and

information necessary for the operation of another portable terminal.

The MCP 110 is directly connected to the image sensor 100, the baseband

module 120, the display 130 and the memory 140, respectively, and exchanges data

with each other by the parallel transmitting method.

Once the baseband module 120 generates a control signal for controlling the

MCP 110 to transmit the control signal to the MCP 110, the MCP 110 reads and

processes the data stored in the memory 140 and determines an output path of the

processed data, according to the control signal.

The conventional portable terminal, which has the aforementioned

configuration, is configured to perform the calculation for processing data between each

element in parallel and the data transmission by the parallel transmitting method. The conventional portable terminal employs the parallel method due to its

quick data calculation speed, in order to process data. Also, the conventional portable

terminal transmits data by the parallel transmitting method. Accordingly, the

conventional portable terminal requests more data connection lines between each

element, to thereby restrict to miniaturize the portable terminal.

Beside that, many data connection lines integrated in the small area cause to

generate the interference between signals, which leads to the electromagnetic

interference (EMI).

In addition, more data connection lines between each element obstruct the

decrease of the size of a semiconductor chip manufactured per element. This brings

about increasing the number of a semiconductor pin, to thereby increase the package

cost.

[Disclosure]

[ Technical Problem ]

The present invention designs to provide a portable terminal and a method for

transmitting data in series in a portable terminal that can miniaturize the portable

terminal due to less data connection lines between each element, caused by the method

that the calculation for processing data is performed in parallel as the conventional art,

and the calculated data is transmitted by a serial transmission method. Also, the present invention designs to provide a portable terminal and a method

for transmitting data in series in a portable terminal that can prevent generating the

interference or EMI due to less data connection lines between each element.

In addition, the present invention designs to provide a portable terminal and a

method for transmitting data in series in a portable terminal that can decrease the size of

a semiconductor chip manufactured per element, and reduce the number of a

semiconductor pin, to thereby decrease the package cost, due to less data connection

lines between each element.

Other problems that the present invention solves will become more apparent

through the following description.

[Technical Solution]

An aspect of the present invention features a portable terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a

portable terminal including an image sensor, generating raw data corresponding to a

photographed subject and outputs the raw data by a serial transmitting method; and a

multimedia control processor, converting the raw data, inputted from the image by the

serial transmitting method, into parallel bit data, and generating image data by using the

raw data converted into the parallel bit data.

The portable terminal further includes a display outputting the image data, whereas the multimedia control processor can transmit the image data to the display by

the serial transmitting method, and the display can output the image data, inputted by

the serial transmitting method and converted into the parallel bit data.

Also, the portable terminal further includes a memory, storing encoded data

corresponding to the image data, whereas the multimedia control processor can read and

decode the encoded data, and then, transmit the decoded data to the display by a serial

transmitting.

Beside that, the portable terminal can further include a memory, storing

encoded data corresponding to the image data, and a baseband module, reading the

encoded image data and transmitting the read encoded image data to the multimedia

control processor by the serial transmitting method. Also, the storing and reading of

data from the memory are performed by a parallel method.

Another aspect of the present invention features a multimedia control

processor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a

multimedia control processor, coupled to an image sensor and a baseband module,

respectively, the multimedia control processor communicating data with the image

sensor and the baseband module, respectively, by a serial transmitting method.

The multimedia control processor is further coupled to a memory, and the storing and reading of data from the memory can be performed by a parallel method.

The storing and reading of data from the memory can be performed by a serial

method

An aspect of the present invention features a method for processing data in a

portable terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a

method for processing data in a portable terminal, the method performing the

calculation of data in each element configuring the portable terminal by a parallel

method, but the transmission of data between each element is performed by a serial

method.

The storing and reading of data from the memory of each element, configuring

the portable terminal, can be performed by a parallel method

The storing and reading of data from the memory of each element, configuring

the portable terminal, can be performed by a serial method.

The above objects, features, advantages and new features will become more

apparent through the below description and some embodiments with reference to the

accompanying drawings. [Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of the conventional portable terminal;

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of a portable terminal in accordance with a

first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of a portable terminal in accordance with a

second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an example illustrating a data flow passing trough a parallel to serial

converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a data flow in case that a portable terminal is

in a preview mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a data flow in case that a portable terminal is

in a capture mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a data flow in case that a multimedia control

processor of a portable terminal reads data stored in a memory in accordance with an

embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a data flow in case that a baseband module of

a portable terminal reads data stored in a memory in accordance with an embodiment of

the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a data flow in case that a portable terminal is

in a bypass mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Mode for Invention]

Hereinafter, some embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the

accompanying drawings. Identical or corresponding elements will be given the same

reference numerals, regardless of the figure number for easy general understanding. In

this description, the given reference numbers (e.g. 250a and 250b) is mere recognizing

means for substantially recognizing the identical or similar elements.

It can be easily understood through the below description that the present

invention is not limited to be applied to a specific type of a portable terminal and can be

identically or similarly applied to a data processing operation of a general digital

processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of a portable terminal in accordance with a

first embodiment of the present invention. The difference and features of the

configuration of the portable terminal of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present

invention will be briefly described as compared with that of the conventional portable

terminal of FIG. 1.

Unlike the conventional portable terminal, an image sensor 200 and a baseband

module 220 further includes parallel to serial converters 250a and 250c, respectively.

This is to transfer generated data to a receiver by a serial transmitting method. A display 230 further includes a serial to parallel converter 260b. This is to

convert data, received from a transmitter by the serial transmitting method, into data,

capable of processed by a parallel transmitting method, to display the data.

A multimedia control processor 210 further includes not only a serial to

parallel converter 250b but also a parallel to serial converter 260a. This is to convert

data, received from a transmitter by the serial transmitting method, into data, capable of

processed by the parallel transmitting method, to process the data, and to transfer the

processed data to the receiver by the serial transmitting method.

The configuration of a portable terminal in accordance with a first embodiment

of the present invention will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the portable terminal of the present invention can

include the image sensor 200, the multimedia control processor (MCP) 210, the

baseband module 220, the display 230 and a memory 240.

The image sensor 110 generates and outputs raw data corresponding to a

subj ect photographed by a camera.

The image sensor 200 can be a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

(CMOS) type or a charged coupled device (CCD) type of the image sensor.

The CMOS type or CCD type of the image sensor converts light into an

electrical signal, to generate the raw data corresponding to the subject photographed by

the camera. The CMOS type or CCD type of the image sensor is an example for the types

of the image sensor, but not limited to thereto.

The MCP 210 performs the image processing by using the raw data inputted

from the image sensor according to the control of the image sensor 200. Of course, the

image sensor 200 can be controlled by the baseband module 220 or by the MCP 210

according to the control of the baseband module 220.

Particularly, the MCP 210 can convert the inputted raw data into YUV data and

output the converted YUV data. Also, the MCP 210 can generate encoded image data

by using the converted YUV data and transfers the encoded image data to the baseband

module 220 or another element or stores the encoded image data in the memory 240. In

addition, the MCP 210 can further carry out the decoding processing such that the

image data can be displayed through the display 230.

The baseband module 220 generates a control signal for controlling each

element to control whole function of the portable terminal.

The baseband module 220 writes data, to be displayed through the display 230,

in the memory 240. Then, if a display command is inputted into the MCP 210, the MCP

210 can be configured to read and display the written data.

Beside that, once the baseband module 220 inputs the data, to be displayed

through the display 230, into the MCP 210, the MCP 210 can be configured to transfer

the pertinent data to the display 230 by using a bypass function. In case that the baseband module 220 attempts to control the operation of the

display 230, the aforementioned data transmitting method can be applied. Of course, an

additional data connection line is realized between the baseband module 220 and the

display 230. Accordingly, the baseband module 220 can control the operation of the

display 230 or transfer the data to be displayed by using the realized additional data

connection line.

The display 230 outputs information necessary for the portable terminal and an

image processed by the MCP 210. The display 230 can be a liquid crystal display

preferably.

The memory 240 stores photographed image data and necessary data for the

operation of the portable terminal.

The MCP 210 is coupled to the image sensor 200, the baseband module 220,

display 230 and the memory 240, respectively.

A control signal for controlling each element can be generated in the baseband

module 220 and transferred to the MCP 210. The MCP 210 processes the raw data

generated from the image sensor 200 and designate a data path to determine whether to

transfer the processed data to the display 230 or to store the processed data in the

memory.

For example, in the case of a preview mode (a state previewing a photographed

subject before generating (capturing) the image data corresponding to the photographed subject), the MCP 210 transfers the processed data to the display 230. In the case of a

capture mode (a state generating the image data corresponding to the photographed

subject by a photographing command during the previewing state), the MCP 210

transfers the processed data to the memory 240. Of course, the data, stored in the

memory, is decoded and transferred to the display 230 or the baseband module 220.

In the calculating operation and the transmitting operation, for processing data,

the present invention performs the calculation for processing data by the parallel

transmitting method as the conventional art. However, in the case of transmitting the

processed data to the corresponding element, the present invention arranges the

processed data in serial bits and transmits the processed data by the serial transmitting

method.

Typically, the calculating operation for processing data such as encoding and

decoding is performed in parallel and the processed data is arranged in parallel bits.

For example, in the case of calculating and processing data of n bits, n being a

natural number, by using a CPU of n bits, the data is processed by the calculation in one

time when processed in parallel.

The processed data is transmitted to the following element through at least n

paths (e.g. n data input and output pins), for the parallel calculation processing of

another element. The following element performs the necessary calculating operation by using the transmitted data.

Accordingly, at least n data paths are requested, to thereby lead to the

complication of the data path lines for data transmission.

However, the present invention performs the calculation for processing data in

parallel and transmits the processed data in series. Accordingly, the present invention

successively arranges the data, processed in one time, according to the order formed

with the data and successively transmits each bit forming the data through the data

transmitting path.

The element, transmitted from the respective bits forming the data in series,

arranges the data in parallel again to perform the calculation for processing the data and

processes the data by using the calculation by the parallel method.

In the case of transmitting the processed data to another element, the parallel to

serial converters 250a, 250b and 250c, included in corresponding elements, arranges the

data, calculated and processed in parallel and arranged in parallel bits, in serial bits. As

illustrated in FIG. 2, the parallel to serial converters 250a, 250b and 250c are included

in an element (e.g. the image sensor 200) transferring arbitrary data to another element.

In case it is necessary that the pertinent element performs the calculating of the

data, transmitted in series, again, the serial to parallel converters 260a and 260b

re-arranges the data, arranged in serial bits, in parallel such that the pertinent element

can perform the calculation of the data in parallel. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the serial to parallel converters 260a and 260b are included in an element (e.g. the MCP 210)

converting the data, received by the serial transmitting method, into the data capable of

being processed in parallel.

In other words, the parallel to serial converters 250a, 250b and 250c and the

serial to parallel converters 260a and 260b are selectively included in the corresponding

elements, respectively, according to whether to transmit and receive data and whether

the calculation processing operation is performed by using the received data, to thereby

become each element forming the portable terminal.

Accordingly, the image sensor 200 and the baseband module 220, which

merely calculate and process and transmits data and receive the processed data but does

not re-calculate the received data, can include the only parallel to serial converters 250a

and 250c, respectively. Of course, it shall be obvious that the serial to parallel converter

260 can be included in the case of receiving data from another element and calculating

and processing the received data or in case it is necessary to additionally include the

serial to parallel converter 260.

Similarly, the display 230, which only receives the calculated data and displays

the received data on a display unit (not shown) of the display 230, can include the only

serial to parallel converter 260b.

Since the MCP 210 not only receives the raw data from the image sensor 200

but also performs the calculating processing operation such as an operation of generating image data from the received raw data, the MCP 210 can include both the

parallel to serial converter 250b and the serial to parallel converter 260a.

On the other hand, a data transmission line of the memory 240, which typically

has no processing operation of special data and simply stores the processed data in an

area, can employ a data transmission line of the parallel method as the conventional art.

Meanwhile, it is possible that the memory 240 further includes a parallel to

serial converter 25Od and a serial to parallel converter 26Od such that the memory 240

can communicate data in series with another element, specifically, the baseband module

220 or the MCP 210, which reads and stores data from and in the memory 240.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the memory

240 also communicates data in series with another element. Referring to FIG. 3, which

is an example illustrating a configuration of the portable terminal in accordance with the

second embodiment of the present invention, the memory 240 can further include a

parallel to serial converter 25Od and a serial to parallel converter 26Od.

In case that the memory 240 further includes a parallel to serial converter 25Od

and a serial to parallel converter 26Od, the data generated in the MCP 210 is arranged in

serial bits in the parallel to serial converter 25Od and is transmitted in series to the

memory 240.

The data transmitted in series is arranged in parallel bits in the serial to parallel converter 26Od of the memory 240 and is stored in a storing area. The serial to parallel

converter 26Od, which is a sub-element of the memory 240, can be included in an

internal controller, for example, which takes charge of interface with an external

element.

In the meantime, in the case of reading the data stored in the memory 240, the

baseband module 220 can perform the reading of the data from the memory 240 and

transmit the read data to the MCP 210, or the MCP 210 reads the data from the memory

240 according to a control signal generated in the baseband module 220.

In case that the baseband module 220 reads the data from the memory 240, the

parallel to serial converter 25Od of the memory 240 arranges the data, arranged in

parallel bits, in serial bit and transmits the data in series to the baseband module 220.

In case that the baseband module 220 does not directly process the received

data arranged in serial bits, the baseband module 220 transmits the data in series to the

MCP 210 without the pertinent converting operation.

However, in case that the baseband module 220 processes the data read in the

memory, the serial to parallel converter 260c of the baseband module 220 can arrange

the data, arranged in serial bits, in parallel bits and perform the processing operation of

the data. In the case of needing no processing operation in the MCP 210, the baseband

module 220 processes the data read in the memory 240. For example, the read data can

include text information displayed on the display 230 of the portable terminal. Conversely, in case that the MCP 210 reads the data from the memory 240

according to the control signal generated in the baseband module 220, the parallel to

serial converter 25Od of the memory 240 arranges the data, arranged in parallel bits, in

serial bits and transmits the data in series to the MCP 210.

Alternatively, it shall be obvious that the parallel to serial converter 250c of the

baseband module 220 and the serial to parallel converter 260b of the display 230 can be

coupled to each other in order to communicate the data to be displayed.

The parallel to serial converters 250a, 250b, 250c and 25Od and the serial to

parallel converters 260a, 260b, 260c and 26Od are elements for arranging the data

consisting of n bits from series to parallel or vice versa.

Accordingly, if the data consisting of n bits is capable of being selectively

arranged in series or in parallel, the transmission in series or in parallel can be

performed without a serial to parallel or parallel to serial converting circuit, device or

program.

A data flow passing through a parallel to serial converter that typically arranges

data, processed in parallel, in serial bits will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, it is assumed that data of M bits is inputted into the parallel to serial converter and data of N bits is outputted from the parallel to serial

converter. Since the M bit data are inputted through a plurality of transmission lines, the

amount of the M bit data is smaller than that of the N bit data outputted through one

transmission line. Accordingly, since the inputted data amount is smaller than the

outputted data amount, the transmission speed is slower but the transmission lines are

simpler.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, if it is assumed that the inputted parallel

bit data is processed at a speed of A, since the outputted serial bit is processed at a speed

of (M/N)*A and M is smaller than N, the value of M/N is smaller than 1. Accordingly,

the speed of (M/N)* A is decreased as compared with the conventional speed of A.

However, in the case of inputting the data in parallel, the number of the transmission

lines is increased, while in the case of inputting the data in series, the number of the

transmission lines is decreased.

Thus, in accordance with the data serial transmitting method of the present

invention, although the transmission speed is decreased, the number of the transmission

lines between elements configuring the portable terminal is reduced, thereby being

capable of simplifying the configuration (e.g. the number of pins of the chip) of the

portable terminal.

The order and flow of processing data in the portable terminal and the data serial transmitting method of the portable terminal according to the present invention

will be described below.

First, in case that the portable terminal is in a preview mode, the data flow will

be described with reference to FIG. 5.

The preview mode refers to the mode for checking an image of a subject to be

photographed through a display screen of the portable terminal in the case of attempting

to photograph the subject by using the portable terminal.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, once a camera (not shown) mounted on the portable

terminal photographs a subject, the image sensor 200 converts a light signal, inputted

through the camera, into an electrical signal to generate raw data in a step represented

by S300.

Since the raw data is generated through the calculation processing operation in

parallel, the generated raw data is arranged in parallel.

The raw data, arranged in parallel, is arranged in serial bits in the parallel to

serial converter 250a included in the image sensor 200 in a step represented by S302.

The image sensor 200 transmits the raw data, arranged in serial bits, to MCP 210 by a

serial transmitting method in a step represented by S304.

The MCP 210, which has received the raw data, arranged in serial bits, allows

the serial to parallel convert 260a included in the MCP 210 to re-arrange the raw data in

parallel in a step represented by S306. The MCP 210 converts the raw data, re-arranged in parallel bits, into data in a

format, for example, YUV capable of being displayed on a display unit (not shown) of

the display 230 in order to generate image data in a step represented by S308.

The YUV is the method representing color. Based on the fact that the human

eye reacts more sensitively to luminance than to chrominance, the YUV method divides

a color into a Y component, which is luminance, and U and V components, which are

chrominance. Since the Y component is more sensitive to errors, more bits are coded in

the Y component than in the U and V components in the YUV method.

The raw data is calculated and processed by the parallel method of the MCP

210 to generate the image data.

Since the MCP 210 generates the image data through the calculation

processing operation in parallel, the generated image data is arranged in parallel.

The parallel to serial converter of the MCP 210 arranges the image data,

arranged in parallel, in serial bits in a step represented by S310. The MCP 210 transmits

the image data, arranged in series, to the display 230 by a serial transmitting method in

a step represented by S312.

The display 230, which has received the image data, arranged in series, allows

the serial to parallel convert 260b included in the display 230 to re-arrange the image

data in parallel in a step represented by S314.

The image data, arranged in parallel bits, undergoes the calculation processing operation of the parallel method such that the display 230 can display a corresponding

image on the display unit (not shown) of the display 230 in a step represented by S316.

Next, in case that the portable terminal photographs an image and stores the

photographed image data in the memory 240, the data flow will be described with

reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the data flow in case that the portable

terminal is in a capture mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present

invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, once a camera (not shown) mounted on the portable

by S400.

Since the raw data is generated by being calculated and processed in the image

sensor 200 by a parallel method, the generated raw data is arranged in parallel.

The raw data, arranged in parallel bits, is arranged in serial bits in the parallel

to serial converter 250a included in the image sensor 200 in a step represented by S402.

serial transmitting method in a step represented by S404.

The MCP 210, which has received the raw data, arranged in serial bits, allows the serial to parallel convert 260a included in the MCP 210 to re-arrange the raw data in

parallel bits in a step represented by S406.

The MCP 210 converts the raw data, re-arranged in parallel bits, into data in a

format, for example JPEG capable of being stored in the memory 240 in order to

generate image data in a step represented by S408.

The joint photographic coding experts group (JPEG), which is the standard for

the technology compressing still picture such as a photograph to communicate the still

picture, can allow a user to adjust image quality and file size of an image.

The aforementioned data formats, YUV and JEPG are an example of data

format that are typically used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Since the image data in the JPEG format is generated by the calculation

processing of the parallel method, the generated image data is arranged in parallel bits.

The image data, arranged in parallel, is transmitted to an area of the memory

and is stored in a step represented by S410.

In the case of reading data stored in the memory 240 of the portable terminal,

the data flow will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

The memory 240 of the portable terminal, as described in FIG. 2, can be

connected to the MCP 210 and the baseband module 220, respectively.

Accordingly, the data stored in the memory 240 can be read by the MCP 210 or the baseband module 220. In other words, it is possible that the baseband module 220

generates a control signal only and the MCP 210 reads the data in the memory 240 in

accordance with the generated control signal. Alternatively, it is possible that the

baseband module 220 reads the pertinent data in the memory 240 and transmits the read

data to the MCP 210.

First, in the case of the former, the data flow will be described with reference

to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the data flow in case that the MCP 210 of the

portable terminal reads data stored in the memory in accordance with an embodiment of

the present invention

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in case that the MCP 210 of the portable terminal reads

data stored in the memory 240, the baseband module 220 generates a control signal only

and the MCP 210 reads the data stored in an area of the memory 240 in accordance with

the generated control signal in a step represented by S500.

The data stored in the memory 240 can be the image data generated in a JPEG

format and stored as described in FIG. 6.

The MCP 210 converts the image data in a format such as JPEG into data in a

format, for example, YUV format as described above, capable of being displayed on a

display unit of the display 230 in a step represented by S502.

In this operation, since the data read from the memory 240 is arranged in parallel bits, the operation of converting the read data into parallel bit data is not

requested.

Since the converted data, completed with the decoding operation converting

the data, is generated by the calculation processing operation of the parallel method, the

converted data is arranged in parallel bits.

The converted image data, arranged in parallel bits, is converted into serial bit

data and is arranged in the parallel to serial converter 250a of the MCP 210 in a step

represented by S504.

In a step represented by S506, the MCP 210 transmits the image data, arranged

in series, to the display 230 by a serial transmitting method.

The display 230, which has received the image data, arranged in series,

re-arranges the image data in parallel bits in the serial to parallel convert 260b included

in the display 230 in a step represented by S508.

The data, arranged in parallel bits, undergoes the calculation processing

operation of the parallel method such that the display 230 can display a corresponding

image on the display unit (not shown) of the display 230 in a step represented by S510.

In case that the baseband module 220 reads the pertinent data in the memory

240 and transmits the read data to the MCP 210, the data flow will be described with

reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the data flow in case that the baseband

module 220 of the portable terminal reads data stored in the memory 240 in accordance

with an embodiment of the present invention

If the baseband module 220 reads the data stored in the memory 240 in a step

represented by S600, the read data is arranged in parallel bits and the parallel to serial

converter 250c of the baseband module 220 converts the read data into parallel bit data

and arranges the converted parallel bit data in a step represented by S602.

The baseband module 220 transmits the data, arranged in serial bits, to the

MCP 210 by a serial transmitting method in a step represented by S604.

In a step represented by S606, the MCP 210 re-arranges the received data,

arranged in serial bits, in parallel bits in the serial to parallel convert 260a of the MCP

210. The MCP 210 converts the image data, arranged in parallel bits, into data in a

display unit of the display 230 in a step represented by S608.

Accordingly, since the decoding operation converting a data format is

performed by the calculation processing of the parallel method, the decoded data is

arranged in parallel bits.

The parallel to serial convert 250b of the MCP 210 converts the data, which is

decoded and arranged in parallel bits, into serial bit data and arranges the serial bit data

in a step represented by S610. The MCP 210 transmits the data, arranged in serial bits, to the display 230 by a

serial transmitting method in a step represented by S612.

The display 230, which has received the image data arranged in serial bits,

re-arranges the data in parallel bits in the serial to parallel convert 260b of the display

230 in a step represented by S614.

The data, arranged in parallel bits, undergoes the calculation processing

image on the display unit (not shown) of the display 230 in a step represented by S616.

FIG. 8 is an example illustrating the case of including an operation that the

MCP 210 calculates and processes the data transmitted from the baseband module 220.

Alternatively, the bypass mode, which the data transmitted from the baseband module

220, is transmitted to the display 230 without the calculation processing operation

performed by the MCP 210.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the data flow in case that the portable

terminal is in the bypass mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present

invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, once the baseband module 220 reads data stored in the

memory 240 in a step represented by S700, the read data is arranged in parallel bits and

the parallel to serial convert 250c of the baseband module 220 converts the read data into serial bit data and arranges the converted serial bit data in a step represented by

S702.

The data, arranged in serial bits, is transmitted to the MCP 210 in a step

represented by S704, and the MCP 210 transmits the data to the display 230by a serial

transmitting method through a data transmitting line of the serial method between the

MCP 210 and the display 230 in a step represented by S706.The MCP 210, which has

received the data arranged in series, transmits the data to the display 230

The display 230, which has received the image data arranged in serial bits,

re-arranges the data in the serial to parallel convert 260b included in the display 230 in a

step represented by S 708.

The data, arranged in parallel bits, undergoes the calculation processing

image on the display unit (not shown) of the display 230 in a step represented by S710.

As described above, in accordance with the present invention, the portable

terminal performs the transmission of data between each element by a serial

transmitting method except for a data transmitting line of the memory 240 that simply

stores the data without undergoing a special calculation processing operation.

However, since the calculation processing of the data between each element is

performed by a parallel method as the conventional art, the data processing speed is the same as the conventional art but the number of the data transmitting lines is simplified.

Hitherto, although some embodiments of the present invention have been

shown and described for the above-described objects, it will be appreciated by any

person of ordinary skill in the art that a large number of modifications, permutations and

additions are possible within the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of

which shall be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[Industrial Applicability]

As described above, the present invention can provide a portable device and a

method for transmitting data in series in a portable terminal that can miniaturize the

portable terminal, due to less data connection lines between each element in spite of

having a quick transmission speed, and can prevent generating the interference or EMI

due to less data connection lines.

Also, the present invention can provide a portable device and a method for

transmitting data in series in a portable terminal that can decrease the size of a

semiconductor chip manufactured per element, and reduce the number of a

lines between each element.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim 1 ] 7

A portable terminal, comprising:

an image sensor, generating raw data corresponding to a photographed subject

and outputs the raw data by a serial transmitting method; and

a multimedia control processor, converting the raw data, inputted from the

image by the serial transmitting method, into parallel bit data, and generating image

data by using the raw data converted into the parallel bit data.

[Claim 2]

The portable terminal of Claim 1 , further comprising a display outputting the

image data,

whereas the multimedia control processor transmits the image data to the

display by the serial transmitting method, and the display outputs the image data,

inputted by the serial transmitting method and converted into the parallel bit data.

[Claim 3]

The portable terminal of Claim 2, further comprising a memory, storing

encoded data corresponding to the image data,

whereas the multimedia control processor reads and decodes the encoded data, and then, transmits the decoded data to the display by a serial transmitting method.

[Claim 4]

The portable terminal of Claim 2, further comprising a memory, storing

encoded data corresponding to the image data, and

a baseband module, reading the encoded image data and transmitting the read

encoded image data to the multimedia control processor by the serial transmitting

method.

[Claim 5]

The portable terminal of Claim 3 or 4, wherein the storing and reading of data

from the memory are performed by a parallel method.

[Claim 6]

A multimedia control processor, coupled to an image sensor and a baseband

module, respectively, the multimedia control processor communicating data with the

image sensor and the baseband module, respectively, by a serial transmitting method.

[Claim 7]

The multimedia control processor of Claim 6, wherein the multimedia control processor is further coupled to a memory, and the storing and reading of data from the

memory are performed by a parallel method.

[Claim 8]

The multimedia control processor of Claim 6, wherein the multimedia control

processor is further coupled to a memory, and the storing and reading of data from the

memory are performed by a serial method.

[Claim 9]

A method for processing data in a portable terminal, the method performing the

method.

[Claim 10]

The method of Claim 9, wherein the storing and reading of data from the

memory of each element, configuring the portable terminal, are performed by a parallel

method. [Claim 11 ]

The method of Claim 9, wherein the storing and reading of data from the

memory of each element, configuring the portable terminal, are performed by a serial

method.