Camera-Lens Data Prioritization for High-Frequency VFX Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image pickup systems face challenges in maintaining high-frequency data acquisition for effective visual effects (VFX) integration, as communication cycles can be prolonged, leading to reduced data acquisition frequency and inadequate correction processing.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a camera system control unit to determine and prioritize data transmission based on predetermined conditions, ensuring high-frequency communication of essential and priority data for VFX integration, including lens unit information such as focus, aperture, and image stabilization, using a priority-based data acquisition method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data amount acquired in one communication cycle increases, then communication efficiency improves, but data acquisition frequency decreases due to longer communication cycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddata acquisition frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication cycles into multiple short cycles, each acquiring a subset of required data. The camera body divides the plurality of data into multiple groups and performs communication processing for each group separately, enabling higher acquisition frequency while still obtaining all necessary data through accumulated cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic communication processing where the camera body repeatedly performs short communication cycles at regular intervals. Each cycle acquires a portion of the data, and through multiple periodic executions, the complete dataset is collected at high frequency, satisfying both communication efficiency and acquisition frequency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of time

If multiple data are transmitted in a single communication cycle, then communication overhead reduces, but correction processing accuracy decreases for high-frequency requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication overheadVSAvoidcorrection processing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the acquisition of different data types into separate communication cycles. Essential data required for high-frequency correction processing is acquired in dedicated short cycles, ensuring timely availability. Other data is acquired in subsequent cycles, reducing the burden on each individual communication cycle while maintaining overall accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prioritizes acquiring only the essential subset of data needed for high-frequency correction processing in each communication cycle. By focusing on partial data acquisition that suffices for immediate correction needs, the system maintains high acquisition frequency and accuracy for critical parameters without being burdened by transmitting all available data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of information

If communication cycle length increases to transmit more data, then data completeness improves, but data acquisition frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoiddata acquisition frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complete dataset into multiple data groups that are acquired across successive communication cycles. Each cycle transmits a manageable subset of data, ensuring complete information is eventually gathered while maintaining high acquisition frequency through the segmented approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous communication processing where the camera body repeatedly initiates communication cycles without idle gaps. Each cycle contributes a portion of the complete dataset, and through continuous execution of multiple cycles, the system achieves both data completeness and high acquisition frequency by eliminating unnecessary waiting time between communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4607940A1Image pickup apparatus, lens apparatus, and control method
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 CANON KK
  • EP4607940A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4607940A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4607940A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image pickup apparatus (200) is attachable to and detachable from an optical lens (100), and configured to acquire at least one of an image and a video. The image pickup apparatus includes a communication unit (213) configured to transmit and receive data to and from the optical lens, and a control unit (212) configured to set a priority of the data according to whether or not communication of the data satisfies a predetermined condition.