Image Sensor Mode Switching for High-Resolution Still Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual recording methods in digital image capturing devices face challenges in capturing high-resolution still images during moving-image capture, leading to increased power consumption and quality degradation due to high pixel counts and frame rates, which limits the full-pixel operating frame rate and results in unsatisfactory resolution increases.
Innovation Solution
The method involves switching the image sensor's operation mode from moving-image to still-image capture and back when a still image is requested, using partial pixels for moving-image capture and full pixels for still-image capture, and inserting quality-processed still-image data into the moving-image stream during pauses in moving-image capture to maintain continuous recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image sensor is driven with full pixels or high pixels during moving-image capturing to capture high-resolution still images, then the still image resolution is improved, but power consumption increases and heat generation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between full-pixel mode and partial-pixel mode based on capture requirements. During moving-image capturing, the system operates in partial-pixel mode to conserve power, and temporarily switches to full-pixel mode only when still-image capturing is requested, then returns to partial-pixel mode. This periodic action reduces overall power consumption while still achieving high-resolution still images when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the pixel operating mode based on real-time capture requirements. The image sensor operates in partial-pixel mode during normal moving-image capturing, but can be dynamically switched to full-pixel mode when a still-image capture request is received, and then dynamically switched back. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining the capability to capture high-resolution still images.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image sensor is driven with full pixels or high pixels during moving-image capturing to capture high-resolution still images, then the still image resolution is improved, but heat generation increases causing quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between full-pixel and partial-pixel operation modes. During moving-image capturing, it operates in low-power partial-pixel mode, generating minimal heat. When still-image capturing is requested, it briefly switches to full-pixel mode to capture the high-resolution image, then immediately returns to partial-pixel mode. This periodic action limits heat generation duration and magnitude, preventing quality degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic thermal management by adjusting pixel operation mode based on thermal considerations. The system operates in partial-pixel mode during moving-image capturing to maintain low temperature, and only transitions to full-pixel mode when a still-image capture is requested and thermal conditions permit, then quickly returns to partial-pixel mode to cool down. This dynamic adjustment prevents excessive heat accumulation and associated quality degradation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the image sensor mode is changed to full pixels for still-image capturing during moving-image capturing, then still image quality is improved, but time loss occurs due to mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the image sensor to operate in partial-pixel mode during moving-image capturing, with the capability to quickly switch to full-pixel mode when needed. The system maintains readiness to switch modes by keeping the full-pixel capability active but dormant, allowing for rapid transition when a still-image capture request is received, thereby minimizing mode switching time and associated delays.
4Productivity
If the image sensor operates at high speed with full pixels to match moving-image capturing frame rate, then still image capture capability is improved, but power consumption increases beyond acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by switching between full-pixel and partial-pixel modes based on capture needs. During moving-image capturing, the system operates in partial-pixel mode at the required frame rate, consuming acceptable power. When still-image capturing is requested, it switches to full-pixel mode to capture at the matching frame rate, then returns to partial-pixel mode. This periodic full-pixel operation achieves the productivity goal while keeping average power consumption within acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pixel operation mode to balance productivity and power consumption. During moving-image capturing, it operates in partial-pixel mode at the required frame rate. When a still-image capture request is received, it dynamically switches to full-pixel mode to match the moving-image frame rate for a brief period, then dynamically returns to partial-pixel mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve high still-image capture capability when needed while maintaining acceptable power consumption overall.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus are provided for capturing a moving image and a still image. Moving-image capturing is ceased, when a still image-capturing request is generated. Still-image capturing operation parameters are set in the image sensor. The image sensor is exposed to generate still-image data. Moving-image capturing operation parameters are set in the image sensor, when generation of the still-image data is complete. The image sensor is exposed to generate the moving-image data. The still-image data is quality-processed and compressed to generate still-image frame data. Moving-image frame data generated by quality-processing and size-adjusting the moving-image data are connected and compressed to generate a moving-image stream. Quality-processed virtual moving-image frame data is generated using the still-image data. The quality-processed virtual moving-image frame data is inserted into a loss section of the moving-image stream corresponding to a period in which the moving-image capturing is ceased.