Image Processing Apparatus Flexible Magnification JPEG Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras face limitations in digital zoom functionality due to the need for specific multiples of lines for JPEG encode processing, restricting the magnification that can be set in the magnification change processing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that transfers and processes image data in units of multiple lines, allowing for flexible magnification settings by adjusting the number of lines based on the desired output, enabling arbitrary magnification without the restriction of fixed multiples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If JPEG encode processing is performed in block units of 8×8 or 16×16 pixels, then encoding efficiency is improved, but magnification settings are restricted to multiples of 8
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing into segmented stages: magnification change processing is performed first on the entire image, and then JPEG encode processing is applied to the magnification-changed image in standard 8×8 or 16×16 pixel blocks. This segmentation allows the magnification to be set to any value while maintaining efficient block-based encoding, resolving the contradiction between encoding efficiency and magnification flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional buffer memory is provided for magnification change processing, then arbitrary magnification settings are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the magnification change processing in advance, before the JPEG encode processing. By pre-processing the image to the desired magnification and then applying standard block-based encoding, the need for additional buffer memory is eliminated. The processing order is rearranged to achieve arbitrary magnification settings without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
When a first DMA unit and a second DMA unit transfer image data in a memory to be divided into units composed of a plurality of lines, a transfer number of lines for an enlargement section is controlled for each unit on the basis of a magnification of an image which has been set. Even if any magnification is set, the number of output lines of a second reduction section can always be made coincident with a number of lines specified in a JPEG encoder. In addition, there is no need for providing an additional circuit configuration such as a buffer memory in the second reduction section in order to match number of lines each other.