History-Added Image File for Reversible Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic cameras face image quality degradation due to additional processing on processed images, and the simultaneous recording of RAW+JPEG files increases data volume, making it difficult to achieve both usability and future applicability of advanced image processing.

Innovation Solution

A history adding device that generates a history-added image file by applying image processing and adding history information, allowing for restoration of the processed image to its original state, thereby enabling reversible or irreversible image processing to be recorded, reducing data volume and maintaining image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional image processing is applied to a processed image, then image quality adjustment is achieved, but image quality degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality adjustment capabilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by recording the processing history (parameters and steps) during the initial image processing stage. This history information is stored alongside the processed image, enabling restoration to the original state before any degradation occurs from subsequent processing. The processing history acts as a preliminary safeguard that prevents future quality loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If RAW image is used to avoid image quality degradation, then image quality is maintained, but usability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the processed image file multi-functional by embedding processing history information within it. This allows the file to serve dual purposes: it can be directly used for printing and viewing (like a processed image) while also enabling restoration and re-processing (like a RAW image). The processing history acts as a bridge that provides both usability and re-processability in a single file format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If both RAW image and processed image are recorded simultaneously, then both usability and future applicability are achieved, but data volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability and future applicabilityVSAvoiddata volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the processed image and processing history into a single integrated file structure. Instead of storing separate RAW and processed files (which doubles data volume), the processing history is embedded within the processed image file as metadata or auxiliary data. This combination achieves the functionality of both file types while maintaining a single file, significantly reducing the total data storage requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7620259B2History adding device for generating history-added image file, electronic camera, and image processing program for processing history-added image file

Publication Date: 2009.11.17 NIKON CORP

AI summary

A history adding device includes an image processing unit and a history adding unit. The image processing unit applies image processing to an input image to generate a processed image. The history adding unit generates history information necessary for restoration processing in which the processed image is restored to the input image. The history adding unit adds the history information to the processed image to generate a history-added image file to which the restoration processing is executable.