Autofocus Processing Using Adaptive Image Data Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses face challenges in achieving good autofocus performance when using compressed image data, as it is difficult to realize accurate autofocusing solely with compressed data.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus and method that includes a compression unit for compressing image data, an expansion unit for expanding the compressed data based on a coding parameter, and a processing unit for adaptive autofocus processing using the expanded data, where the autofocus processing is adjusted based on the coding parameter to optimize focus detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If image data is compressed to reduce transmission data量, then transmission bandwidth requirement is reduced, but autofocus processing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data processing by separating compression processing from autofocus processing. Compressed image data is transmitted through the bus, while decoded image data is generated separately for autofocus processing. This segmentation allows different data formats to be used for different purposes, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and processing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces decoded image data as an intermediary between the compressed image data from the bus and the autofocus processing unit. The decoded image data serves as a bridge that preserves the original quality needed for accurate autofocus while allowing compressed data to be used for transmission, thus resolving the accuracy loss problem.
2Productivity
If a bus with large transmission capacity is used to transmit large amount of data, then data transmission capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image data from uncompressed to compressed format for transmission through the bus. By applying compression processing, the data transmission capability is maintained while using a bus with lower transmission capacity requirements, thus reducing system cost without sacrificing productivity.
3Speed
If compressed image data is used directly for autofocus processing, then processing speed is improved, but focus detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into two pathways: compressed image data for fast transmission and decoded image data for accurate processing. The autofocus processing unit receives decoded image data separately, maintaining focus detection accuracy while the compressed data pathway ensures fast transmission, thus resolving the speed-accuracy trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus, including: a compression unit configured to perform compression processing on image data; an expansion unit configured to perform expansion processing on the image data that has been subjected to the compression processing based on a coding parameter used for the compression processing on the image data; and a processing unit configured to perform autofocus processing based on the image data that has been subjected to the expansion processing, the autofocus processing being adaptively performed based on the coding parameter.