Image Processor Time Divisional Motion Still Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera devices face challenges in processing both motion and still images simultaneously, leading to shutter lag and inability to maintain motion image output at the input frame rate, due to limited processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that processes motion images first, buffers them, and then processes still images, allowing for output of processed motion images at a predetermined frame period, while buffering and processing still images to ensure zero shutter lag and consistent viewing image output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image processor processes both motion and still images simultaneously, then the still image processing can be completed, but the motion image output frame rate cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The image processor segments the processing of motion images and still images into separate time slots within each frame period. Motion images are processed first during the primary processing window, while still images are processed during the residual part of the frame or the beginning part of the next frame, ensuring both types of images receive dedicated processing resources without interfering with each other's frame rate requirements.
2Productivity
If the image processor prioritizes motion image processing, then the motion image output frame rate is maintained, but still image processing may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary buffering of still images during the motion image processing period. The still image buffer stores incoming still images while the image processor is dedicated to motion image processing. This preliminary action ensures that when the residual part of the frame or next frame begins, the still images are already ready for immediate processing, minimizing delay and achieving zero shutter lag.
3Manufacturing precision
If the frame period is extended to accommodate still image processing, then still image processing can be completed, but motion image output timing becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by establishing a fixed frame period structure that repeats consistently. Within each periodic frame period, motion images are processed during a predetermined time slot, and still images are processed during the residual part. This periodic structure ensures that motion images are always output at consistent intervals (maintaining frame rate stability) while still images are processed systematically without extending the overall frame period.
4Productivity
If the image processor processes still images during the current frame, then processing efficiency is improved, but motion image processing time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates processing time between motion and still images based on the actual processing requirements. The image processor is configured to process motion images first during the primary processing window, then dynamically transition to processing still images during the residual part of the frame or the beginning part of the next frame. This dynamic time allocation ensures that motion images receive sufficient processing time to maintain output frame rate, while still images are processed efficiently without compromising overall system productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus and method for regulating viewing image output of the image processor which processes motion and still images in a time divisional manner are provided. The image processing apparatus includes an image processor processing the viewing and still images in a time divisional manner, a timing manager storing the viewing image processed by the image processor temporarily and outputting the viewing image at a preset time of a frame period, and a controller controlling, in response to a capture request, the image processor to process the still image at a residual part of a current frame to be at a beginning part of a next frame and to process the buffered viewing image to be at the residual part of the next frame, wherein the residual part of the next frame is a part which remains after processing the still image completely.