Imaging Apparatus Automatic RAW Image Development and Deletion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in efficiently recording and processing RAW image data without increasing circuit size and power consumption, while maintaining high shooting functionality, and face issues with user-friendliness due to manufacturer-specific RAW image formats.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that generates and records RAW image data, allowing users to choose between storing RAW or developed images, with automatic development and deletion of RAW data based on user settings, enabling efficient data management and reduced processing load during shooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hardware with high processing capability is used to process RAW image data at high speed, then processing speed is improved, but circuit size increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing development processing on RAW image data in advance, before the user actually needs to view or use the images. The system automatically develops RAW images after shooting sessions, converting them to viewable formats proactively. This allows the camera to use simpler, lower-power processing hardware during active shooting, while still delivering processed images when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between processing speed and circuit size/power consumption.
2Productivity
If hardware with high processing capability is used to process RAW image data at high speed, then processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs development processing in advance during idle periods or after shooting sessions rather than in real-time during shooting. This timing strategy allows the camera to use high processing power only when necessary, not continuously during active use, thereby reducing overall power consumption while still maintaining the ability to process large amounts of RAW data at high speed when needed.
3Measurement precision
If RAW image data is recorded without development processing, then image quality is preserved with minimal loss, but the amount of data for recording increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the data format based on user needs and storage conditions. The system records RAW image data with high quality parameters preserved, but automatically converts and stores processed versions with different parameters (compressed, viewable formats) simultaneously. This allows the system to maintain high image quality in RAW format while also providing manageable data sizes through processed versions, resolving the contradiction between quality preservation and data amount management.
4Measurement precision
If manufacturer-specific RAW image format is used, then image quality is maximized, but user-friendliness decreases due to incompatibility with other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the imaging apparatus capable of multiple functions: it can record and process manufacturer-specific RAW formats for maximum quality, while simultaneously converting and outputting to universal, compatible formats like JPEG that work with other devices. The system acts as a bridge, maintaining proprietary high-quality formats internally while providing universal compatibility through automatic processing and conversion, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality maximization and user-friendliness.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a recording unit configured to record RAW image data into a recording medium in accordance with a recording instruction; a setting unit configured to control whether to set the RAW image data as a target of storage into the recording medium or not in accordance with a user instruction; a development unit configured to perform development processing on RAW image data; and a control unit configured to perform control to automatically develop the RAW image data recorded in the recording medium after recording of the RAW image data and to automatically record the developed image data into the recording medium. In a case where RAW image data not set as the target of storage has been developed by the development unit, the control unit performs control to automatically delete said RAW image data from the recording medium.