Image Processing Apparatus Metadata Generation via Preview Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing techniques fail to provide usable metadata for various applications, as the metadata generated is not available at the time of viewing a captured image, limiting its utility.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquires image data for confirmation, analyzes it, generates metadata based on the analysis, and provides it to the captured image data, including features like face detection, character recognition, and scene information, using a CPU, ROM, RAM, and external storage, with metadata being stored in the image header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If metadata is generated from captured image data using conventional techniques, then metadata extraction is performed, but the metadata is not available at the time of viewing the captured image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating metadata from confirming image data (preview image) captured before the main image capture. The image processing apparatus analyzes the confirming image data to extract subject information, event information, and other metadata elements in advance, so that the metadata is already prepared and available when the captured image is viewed later. This resolves the timing issue by performing metadata generation beforehand rather than after capture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive metadata is provided to captured images, then image viewing and search capabilities are enhanced, but CPU load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively generating metadata based on the confirming image data rather than processing all possible image data. The image processing apparatus performs analysis on the smaller confirming image to extract essential metadata elements, which is less computationally intensive than processing the full-resolution captured image. This provides comprehensive metadata functionality while controlling CPU load by performing partial analysis on a reduced dataset.
3Measurement precision
If metadata is extracted from captured image data, then subject and event information is obtained, but the metadata may not be usable for various applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates metadata in advance from confirming image data with high extraction accuracy, and stores this metadata for later use. By performing the extraction beforehand when the image quality is controlled and analysis can be thorough, the system ensures accurate metadata is available for multiple subsequent applications including image viewing, searching, and organizing, thereby improving both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates metadata that serves multiple functions and applications. The extracted metadata including subject information, event information, and timing data is designed to be universally applicable across different use cases such as image display, search queries, album organization, and data management. This multi-functional metadata approach enhances versatility while maintaining extraction accuracy through comprehensive analysis of the confirming image.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus acquires data of a finder image in an imaging apparatus, analyzes the data of the finder image, and extracts a feature amount of the finder image. Then, the image processing apparatus generates metadata based on the analysis result, and provides the metadata to a still image data captured by the imaging apparatus.