Image-Capturing Device for RAW Data Output via HDMI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image-capturing devices can only transmit developed images to external recording devices via SDI or HDMI cables, limiting the transmission of RAW data.

Innovation Solution

An image-capturing device that includes an image sensor, development processing unit, and output control unit to transmit RAW data in a predetermined format via HDMI cable, allowing efficient output of RAW data using existing HDMI connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only developed images are transmitted via SDI or HDMI cables, then compatibility with existing infrastructure is maintained, but transmission of RAW data is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission format flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI cable is made to serve multiple functions: transmitting both developed images and RAW data. The output control unit enables the same physical interface (HDMI) to carry different types of data streams depending on transmission mode selection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cables for RAW data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system changes parameters such as data format, bit depth, and signal structure to accommodate RAW data transmission over HDMI. The output control unit configures the HDMI signal to carry RAW data in a predetermined format, transforming the cable's function from image-only to multi-purpose data transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If RAW data transmission is implemented without specific transmission specifications, then ease of operation is improved, but data transmission precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission setup simplicityVSAvoiddata transmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by establishing a predetermined transmission format for RAW data before actual transmission occurs. The output control unit pre-configures the HDMI signal parameters, data packing structure, and transmission protocol, so that when RAW data transmission is initiated, all parameters are already optimized for accurate transmission without requiring user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250220129A1Image-capturing device and image transmission recording system

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 NIKON CORP

AI summary

An image-capturing device includes: an image sensor that captures an image of a subject to output an image-capturing signal; a development processing unit that generates development data based on the image-capturing signal; and an output control unit that outputs the development data to an external device in a predetermined transmission format via a connecting member that connects the image-capturing device to the external device. The output control unit outputs the image-capturing signal to the external device via the connecting member in the predetermined transmission format.