Dynamic Image Processing Unit Control for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic cameras, the use of multiple image processing units leads to increased power consumption, especially during still image shooting, as both units are often active even when only one is necessary, resulting in wasted energy.
Innovation Solution
A control unit dynamically manages the operation of multiple image processing units based on the number of image data pieces stored in a buffer memory or the output interval, switching the second unit to standby mode during still image shooting to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two image processing units are arranged in parallel to improve image processing capacity, then processing time is reduced, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of image processing units based on shooting mode detection. The control unit switches between one-unit and two-unit operation modes depending on whether still image or continuous/movie shooting is detected, making the system configuration adaptive rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high processing capacity only when necessary while conserving power during single-image shooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (number of active image processing units) based on shooting conditions. By detecting the shooting mode and adjusting the number of active units accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between processing capacity and power consumption for different operational scenarios.
2Speed
If two image processing units are always active to handle continuous shooting, then processing speed is maintained, but power is wasted during still image shooting
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit periodically detects the shooting mode and adjusts the number of active image processing units accordingly. This periodic detection and adjustment mechanism ensures that processing speed is maintained when needed while preventing energy waste during single-image shooting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the shooting mode and self-adjusts the number of active image processing units without user intervention. The control unit monitors shooting conditions and autonomously optimizes power consumption by activating or deactivating units based on actual processing needs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces power wastage by ensuring only the necessary image processing units are active, extending battery life and minimizing heat generation and internal camera deformation risks.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element which continuously outputs image data obtained by photoelectrically converting object light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element which continuously outputs image data obtained by photoelectrically converting object light, a buffer memory which temporarily stores image data being output from the imaging element, a plurality of image processing units which are capable of performing image processing on image data output from the imaging element, and a control unit which causes an image processing unit of the plurality of image processing units to operate based on a number of pieces of the image data stored in the buffer memory when the image data is output continuously from the imaging element, in which the image processing unit performs image processing on each piece of image data output continuously.