Imaging Apparatus Real-Time AE AWB AF Evaluation via Data Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses face challenges in generating real-time evaluation values for auto exposure (AE), auto white balance (AWB), and auto focus (AF) controls due to limitations in processing and storage of pixel signals from solid-state imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes an image data interface unit, an image data reading unit, an evaluation value generation unit, an image data selection unit, and an image data writing unit, which allow for the selection and processing of image data from both real-time pixel signals and stored data, enabling the generation of evaluation values based on preprocessed and delayed image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If evaluation values are generated in real-time from pixel signals, then responsiveness of photography control is improved, but processing load and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing pixel signals and storing them in a buffer memory before evaluation value generation. The preprocessing unit performs initial processing on pixel signals and stores the processed data in advance, so that when evaluation values need to be generated, the data is already prepared and available, reducing real-time processing load and system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple processing units are used for real-time evaluation, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple processing units into a single integrated processing unit that can handle both preprocessing and evaluation value generation. The processing unit performs preprocessing on pixel signals and generates evaluation values in a coordinated manner, reducing the number of separate processing units needed while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit in the patent is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a preprocessing unit and an evaluation value generation unit. This universal unit can process pixel signals in different ways depending on the required output, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processing units for each function and reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If all pixel signals are processed immediately, then real-time control accuracy is improved, but memory usage and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information from pixel signals for evaluation value generation, rather than processing all pixel signal data. The preprocessing unit extracts relevant features and characteristics from the pixel signals that are needed for accurate photography control, storing only this extracted information in memory, thus reducing memory usage while maintaining control accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus and an evaluation value generation apparatus can include an image data interface unit that outputs image data according to a pixel signal input from a solid-state imaging device as first image data, an image data reading unit that reads image data stored in a storage unit and outputs the read image data as second image data, an evaluation value generation unit that generates an evaluation value based on input image data, an image data selection unit that selects one of image data based on the first image data and image data based on the second image data as image data to be input to the evaluation value generation unit, and an image data writing unit that stores the image data based on the first image data in the storage unit.