High-Speed Image Capture Circuit Using Segmented Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-taking apparatuses face challenges in manufacturing cost and portability due to the need for specialized circuits and data processing requirements for high-speed image capture and storage, particularly when converting high-speed images into standard format for display and recording.
Innovation Solution
An image-taking apparatus utilizing first and second compression/coding means, temporary storage, and decompression/decoding means to process and store images at a high-speed rate while allowing storage in contemporary video format, using existing circuits and reducing storage capacity, thereby maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed image capture is implemented by embedding multiple small-size images in standard rate images, then high-speed image processing is achieved, but manufacturing cost rises and generality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task by capturing multiple images at high speed and storing them separately in the memory, rather than embedding them in a single standard-rate image. This allows each image to be processed independently using standard circuits, avoiding the need for complex specialized circuits while maintaining high-speed capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary compression/coding of high-speed images during the capture process and stores them in temporary memory before final processing. This preliminary action allows the images to be ready for later processing using standard circuits, reducing the need for expensive specialized hardware while maintaining high-speed capture functionality.
2Productivity
If parallel processing circuits are adopted to increase data processing capacity, then high-speed image processing is achieved, but manufacturing cost rises and portability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard circuits that can perform multiple functions - the same circuits used for normal-speed image processing are also employed for high-speed image processing. The compression/coding means and decompression/decoding means are designed to handle both standard and high-speed images, eliminating the need for separate specialized parallel processing circuits and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary storage means as an intermediary between the high-speed image capture and the final processing/storage. This intermediary buffer allows the system to capture images at high speed using simple circuits, then process them later using standard circuits, avoiding the need for complex parallel processing hardware while maintaining high-speed capture capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-speed images are stored in contemporary video format, then compatibility is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compression/coding of high-speed images during capture and stores them in temporary memory in a compressed format. This preliminary compression reduces the amount of data that needs to be stored, allowing the system to maintain compatibility with contemporary video formats while reducing storage capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high-speed image data from the temporary storage means and processes it through decompression/decoding before final storage in contemporary video format. This extraction and reprocessing allows the system to maintain format compatibility while using more efficient storage methods, as the temporary storage only needs to hold compressed data rather than full-resolution video data.
Data Source
AI summary
An image obtained as a result of an image-taking process carried out at a screen rate higher than a standard screen rate is stored in a recording medium in the contemporary video format. To put it more concretely, the image obtained as a result of an image-taking process is supplied at a first screen rate to first compression/coding means for carrying out a compression/coding process at the first screen rate and image data obtained as a result of the compression/coding process is temporarily stored in temporary storage means. After image data output by the first compression/coding means during a predetermined period of time is stored in the temporary storage means, decompression/decoding means reads out the image data from the temporary storage means at a second screen rate lower than the first screen rate, carries out a decompression/decoding process on the image data and stores a result of the decompression/decoding process in recording means.