Image Capture Apparatus Dual-Mode RAW Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image capture apparatuses using solid-state image sensors, the increased load of image processing due to higher pixel counts and shooting rates limits the shooting interval, and existing buffer solutions are impractical in terms of cost and mounting area, especially for high-speed continuous shooting.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a non-development mode that records RAW data without applying development processing, allowing for high-speed continuous shooting, and a development mode that applies processing later, with a control unit managing operation modes to optimize processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If development processing is applied to captured image data in real-time, then image quality is improved, but shooting speed deteriorates due to processing load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing workflow into two distinct modes: capture mode (recording RAW data without processing) and development mode (applying processing to RAW data). This segmentation allows the system to separate the high-speed capture function from the quality-enhancing processing function, enabling fast shooting while maintaining image quality options.
2Device complexity
If a buffer is provided in the front engine to reduce transmission data rate, then image processing load is reduced, but mounting area and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the development processing function from the front engine and relocates it to the main engine. The front engine is simplified to only perform capture and RAW data recording, while the main engine handles the computationally intensive development processing. This extraction eliminates the need for large buffers in the front engine, reducing mounting area and costs.
3Productivity
If a high-capacity buffer is provided in the front engine to enable high-speed continuous shooting, then shooting rate is improved, but mounting area and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic mode switching between capture mode and development mode. In capture mode, the system operates at high speed by recording RAW data without processing. In development mode, processing is applied to previously captured RAW data. This dynamic switching allows high shooting rates without requiring large buffers, as processing occurs asynchronously in the main engine.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises an image processing circuit capable of applying development processing to RAW data obtained by a sensor. The apparatus has a non-development mode and a development mode as operation modes, the non-development mode being a mode in which the apparatus records the RAW data into a storage device without applying the development processing to the RAW data, and the development mode being a mode in which the apparatus applies the development processing to a plurality of the RAW data recorded into the storage device during when the apparatus operated in the non-development mode. The apparatus operates in the non-development mode or the development mode in accordance with a setting.