Image Processing Unit Log Gamma Tone Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Digital still cameras equipped with movie shooting functions face issues when applying Log gamma characteristics, as image correction functions intended for still images can degrade the quality of edited moving images shot with Log gamma, due to the nonlinear input-output characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An image capture apparatus and method that includes a conversion unit for nonlinear input-output characteristics and an image processing unit, with a control unit that invalidates image processing that changes tone characteristics or contrast when Log gamma is set, ensuring the image is processed according to its defined characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image correction functions are applied to moving images shot with Log gamma, then the image correction can enhance still image quality, but the tone characteristics and contrast of the moving image are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The image correction function is made dynamically controllable, allowing the user to switch between enabled and disabled states based on the shooting mode. When Log gamma is selected for movie shooting, the image correction function is automatically disabled to preserve tone characteristics. When other gamma settings are used, the image correction function can be enabled to enhance still image quality. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to the specific shooting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the image correction function based on the gamma setting. When Log gamma is detected as the active gamma mode, the image correction parameter is set to disabled. When other gamma modes are active, the image correction parameter is set to enabled. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize performance for different shooting scenarios, resolving the contradiction between image correction quality and tone characteristics preservation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a digital still camera is designed mainly for still image recording, then still image quality can be optimized, but the camera cannot properly handle moving images requiring postproduction processing
Solution Approach 1:
The digital still camera is designed with multi-functionality to handle both still image recording and movie shooting with postproduction requirements. The camera includes a movie shooting function that supports Log gamma mode, and the image correction function is made controllable to adapt to different shooting modes. This universal design allows the single apparatus to perform both still image and movie shooting functions appropriately, resolving the contradiction between still image optimization and movie shooting capability.
3Reliability
If Log gamma characteristics are applied to moving images, then tone gradation is maintained for editing, but the image becomes low-contrast and unsuitable for direct appreciation
Solution Approach 1:
The camera provides dynamic control over image correction based on the intended use. When Log gamma is selected for movie shooting intended for editing, image correction is disabled to maintain tone gradation. When still images or movies for direct appreciation are captured, image correction can be enabled to provide visually pleasing contrast. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the processing to the intended output purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image capture apparatus and a method of controlling the apparatus which can apply image correction processing which influences the contrast of a shot image, image quality degradation of an image shot by using input-output characteristics where an output value logarithmically increases with a linear increase in input value is suppressed. When using input-output characteristics where an output value logarithmically increases with a linear increase in input value (S101), internal functional blocks are controlled to invalidate image correction functions which influence the tone characteristics or contrast of an image (S103).