Imaging Apparatus Selective Camera Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses waste power by maintaining camera units that do not contribute to the displayed omnidirectional image, either during live view or when the apparatus is moved, as they are not selectively controlled based on the displayed range.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that combines images from multiple camera units, with a control unit to drive camera units in different modes based on whether the combined image is being recorded or displayed, optimizing power usage by switching non-displayed camera units to a power-saving mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all camera units are driven to capture omnidirectional images, then complete 360-degree imaging function is maintained, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary camera units operating
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent camera units, each capable of being controlled separately. The control unit divides the imaging task among only those camera units whose fields of view are required for the current display range, rather than operating all camera units simultaneously. This segmentation enables selective activation of camera units based on the actual imaging needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which camera units are active based on the display range information. The control unit receives real-time display range information and dynamically switches camera units between operating modes (first mode for imaging, second mode for power saving) according to whether their captured images are needed for the current display. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain complete omnidirectional imaging capability when needed while reducing power consumption when full coverage is not required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If camera units are selectively controlled to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but imaging completeness may be compromised when full omnidirectional coverage is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback in the form of display range information that indicates which portions of the omnidirectional space are currently being displayed. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines which camera units are necessary to maintain the displayed view and which can be switched to power-saving mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that imaging completeness is maintained for the displayed range while allowing power savings for non-displayed ranges.
3Reliability
If all camera units operate in first mode, then image quality and coverage are maintained, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different camera units are assigned different operating modes (first mode or second mode) based on the local requirement of their respective fields of view. Camera units whose fields of view correspond to the displayed range operate in first mode to maintain image quality, while camera units whose fields of views are not displayed operate in second mode to save energy. This local quality differentiation allows the system to maintain image quality where needed while improving energy efficiency overall.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of image processing units output images obtained by imaging an object respectively in different directions; a generating unit combines images output by the plurality of image processing units; a recording unit; acquiring unit acquires display range information; a control unit: controls the plurality of image processing units to drive in a first mode, in a case where the combined image is recorded in the recording medium; and controls (1) a first image processing unit which outputs an image corresponding to a displayed range in the combined image to drive in the first mode, and (2) a second image processing unit which outputs an image corresponding to a non-displayed range in the combined image to drive in a second mode, in a case where the combined image is not recorded in the recording medium.