Camera Color Management System for Real-Time Look Preview
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Solution Overview
Problem
Professional photographers face challenges in applying and previewing artistic looks to digital photographs in real-time during shoots, as existing technologies lack efficient methods for previewing how images will appear on final output devices and require post-processing in software tools like Adobe Photoshop, which is not suitable for immediate adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing system with an internal color management system that uses a device-independent color space for converting color signals, allowing photographers to load customizable look transforms and generate soft proofs on the camera's display, enabling real-time application and preview of artistic looks across different cameras and output devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photographers use post-processing software tools like Adobe Photoshop to apply artistic looks, then the quality and control of the artistic look is improved, but the time required to process images and the cost of post-processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the artistic look transforms directly into the camera's processing pipeline during the shooting phase. Look transforms are pre-configured and automatically applied to images as they are captured, eliminating the need for later post-processing. This allows photographers to achieve the desired artistic look immediately without subsequent software manipulation, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the artistic look transformation process from the post-processing stage and relocates it to the in-camera processing stage. By separating the look application from the capture moment and integrating it into the camera's internal processing, the system enables real-time preview and adjustment without requiring external software tools, thus resolving the time and cost contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If photographers capture images in raw unprocessed format to maintain control over rendering, then the flexibility and quality of final output is improved, but the complexity of processing and the need for external color management software increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color management and look transformation functions directly into the camera device. Instead of requiring separate external software for color space conversion and look application, the camera integrates these processing steps internally. This combination maintains photographer control over color rendering while simplifying the overall workflow by eliminating the need for complex external processing pipelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera performs self-service by automatically applying look transforms and managing color space conversions internally during image capture. The device handles the complex processing tasks that would otherwise require external software, enabling photographers to maintain control over rendering without needing to manage complex post-processing workflows. The camera serves itself by incorporating the necessary processing capabilities directly into the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If photographers apply look transforms after the shoot using external software, then the artistic look can be adjusted, but the ability to preview and make immediate adjustments during the shoot is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by allowing photographers to preview and adjust look transforms during the shoot itself. The system applies look transforms in real-time as images are captured, allowing immediate preview on the camera's display. This preliminary adjustment capability eliminates the need to wait until post-processing, enabling photographers to make adaptive decisions during the shoot while maintaining full flexibility in look selection and modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time preview of look transforms on the camera's display during image capture. Photographers can immediately see the effect of different look transforms on their images and make adjustments based on this visual feedback. This closed-loop feedback system enables adaptive look selection and modification during the shoot, eliminating the delay inherent in post-processing workflows while preserving complete artistic control.
4Productivity
If digital cameras capture hundreds of photographs in a shoot, then the quantity of images produced is improved, but the time required to apply artistic looks to all images increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically applying look transforms to images at the moment of capture. Instead of requiring sequential post-processing of each image, the system pre-applies the artistic look during the capture phase. This automation enables high-volume shooting with minimal processing delay, as images are transformed in real-time as they are captured, maintaining productivity while eliminating the time bottleneck of batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical post-processing workflow with an automated in-camera processing system. The camera's internal processor automatically applies look transforms to each image as it is captured, substituting the manual or software-based post-processing mechanism. This automation maintains the ability to produce large quantities of images while eliminating the time-consuming aspect of applying looks to each image individually after the shoot.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus that includes an image capture unit, an interface unit, a processing unit, and a display unit, wherein the image capture unit captures an image, the memory unit stores the image, the interface unit loads one or more look transforms into the image capturing apparatus, the processing unit converts color signals of the image from values of the image capturing apparatus into an output rendering space using a device-independent color space, automatically applies the look transform(s) to the image, and generates a rendered image, which is then displayed by the display unit.