Imaging Encoder Selection for Low-Delay Streaming and High-Quality Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices lack the ability to seamlessly integrate and switch between multiple encoders based on user needs, such as high-grade encoders for improved convenience and optimal image quality or low-delay encoding.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a first-type encoder and a connector for a second-type encoder, along with an information acquiring unit and a selecting unit to determine the appropriate encoder for recording and distribution based on encoder information, including operation mode, video format, and switching method, ensuring optimal selection between image quality and encoding delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional detachable encoder is attached to an imaging device, then encoder versatility and user convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device incorporates a connector unit that can accept different types of encoders (first-type and second-type), enabling the device to perform multiple compression functions. The selecting unit automatically chooses the appropriate encoder based on operation mode, making the system universally adaptable to different encoding requirements without requiring separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The selecting unit automatically determines which encoder to use based on the operation mode (recording or distribution) without requiring manual user configuration. The system self-manages the encoder selection process by acquiring encoder information and making decisions based on preset criteria, reducing operational complexity for users.
2Manufacturing precision
If the second-type encoder is used in image quality priority mode, then image quality is improved, but encoding delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different encoders based on the operation mode. For recording purposes, the second-type encoder is used in image quality priority mode to maximize quality. For distribution purposes, the system switches to the first-type encoder in low-delay mode or the second-type encoder in low-delay mode to minimize latency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between quality and delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the encoders based on the selected mode. When image quality is prioritized, the encoder operates with parameters optimized for quality (higher compression ratios, more processing). When delay is prioritized, parameters are adjusted for speed (lower compression ratios, fewer processing steps). This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve both high quality and low delay as needed.
3Loss of time
If the first-type encoder is used for distribution purpose in low-delay mode, then encoding delay is reduced, but image quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality levels to different output purposes. For distribution, the first-type encoder in low-delay mode provides sufficient quality for real-time transmission. For recording, the second-type encoder in image quality priority mode provides superior quality. Each application receives the appropriate quality level needed for its specific use case, optimizing overall system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an imager; a first-type encoder; a connector unit; an information acquiring unit for acquiring information on an encoder operation mode from a second-type encoder connected to the connector unit; and a selecting unit for selecting an encoder for a record purpose and an encoder for a distribution purpose, wherein the information on the encoder operation mode contains a low-delay mode and an image quality priority mode in which an image quality is given higher priority but an encoding delay is longer than those in the low-delay mode, and the selecting unit is configured to: select, when the information on the encoder operation mode indicates the image quality priority mode, the second-type encoder for the record purpose; and select, when the information on the encoder operation mode indicates the low-delay mode, the first-type encoder for the record purpose and the second-type encoder for the distribution purpose.