Image Storage Overwrite Control for Continuous Shooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image storage systems for digital cameras with continuous-shooting functions face processing burdens and delays due to the need for copying image data from one buffer to another, limiting the storage of less recent images.
Innovation Solution
An image storage apparatus and method that utilize a storage controller to overwrite storage areas with a life setting and gradual life control, allowing for the determination and permission to overwrite when the life expires, eliminating the need for data copying by decrementing the life of storage areas from a maximum initial value to zero, thereby storing images captured up to 4.75 seconds prior without data copying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If image data is copied from the first buffer to the second buffer to extend storage time, then the storage duration of image data is improved, but the processing burden on the CPU increases and other processing may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage area is divided into multiple storage units, each with an independent life counter. This segmentation allows parallel management of multiple image data items without requiring sequential copying operations, reducing CPU processing burden while extending storage duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The life counter of each storage unit is dynamically decremented over time. When a life counter reaches zero, the corresponding storage unit becomes available for overwriting. This dynamic approach replaces static copying operations with continuous temporal management, eliminating the need for CPU-intensive data copying while maintaining extended storage capability.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple buffers are used to store image data from the past, then the ability to store less recent images is improved, but the device complexity and data copying process increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage units within the single buffer memory serve universal functions: they can all store image data, track their own life counters independently, and be managed through a unified decrementing mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the system to store multiple images from the past without requiring separate buffer management protocols for each buffer, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each storage unit autonomously maintains its own life counter and automatically becomes available for overwriting when its life expires. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex centralized buffer management and data copying operations, allowing the system to store multiple images while keeping the management logic simple and efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
An image storage apparatus comprises an image capture unit configured to sequentially capture images of a subject, a storage unit including storage areas to store the images of the subject captured by the image capture unit, a storage controller configured to overwrite a storage area which is permitted to be overwritten with an image of the subject captured by the image capture unit, a life setting unit configured to set a life of the storage area which is overwritten by the storage controller, a life controller configured to change gradually the life of the storage area set by the life setting unit, a determination unit configured to determine whether the life of the storage area changed by the life controller expires or not, and a permission unit configured to permit to overwrite a storage area when the determination unit determines that the life of the storage area expires.