Imaging Apparatus Incomplete File Buffer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in efficiently recording and processing image data during continuous shooting, leading to buffer memory exhaustion and limited shooting duration due to differences in write speeds between buffer memory and external recording media.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus employs a method where RAW data is saved to an external non-volatile recording medium as an incomplete file when buffer memory space is low, allowing for subsequent image processing and recording of JPEG data, thereby avoiding buffer overflow and extending continuous shooting duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If image-capturing data is saved in buffer memory during continuous shooting, then shooting duration is extended, but buffer memory space is exhausted due to slow write speed to external recording medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new storage dimension by utilizing the external recording medium (memory card) as an extended buffer, rather than relying solely on internal buffer memory. This allows the system to offload image-capturing data to external storage when internal buffer is full, effectively expanding the available storage capacity and enabling continuous shooting beyond the limits of internal buffer space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the incomplete file format with management information - that mediates between the buffer memory and the external recording medium. This intermediary structure allows the system to track which images have been captured but not yet processed, enabling intelligent data management and preventing buffer overflow while maintaining shooting continuity.
2Manufacturing precision
If image processing is performed on all captured images, then image data quality is improved, but processing time increases and shooting speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only certain images rather than all captured images. The management information structure allows the system to identify and process only those images that require full processing, while others can be handled more efficiently or deferred, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining quality for prioritized images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing basic data management and organization during the capture phase, rather than waiting until all images are captured before processing. The management information is created and updated in real-time, allowing the system to prepare images for processing ahead of time and reduce the burden on the processing stage.
3Duration of action of moving object
If buffer memory size is increased to extend continuous shooting duration, then device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the external recording medium multi-functional by using it both for its primary purpose (storing final image files) and as an extended buffer for capturing images during continuous shooting. This eliminates the need for a separate, large-capacity buffer memory component, as the same external storage serves dual purposes, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing external recording medium's own storage capacity to serve as the buffer, rather than requiring additional dedicated buffer memory hardware. The management information structure enables the system to self-manage the buffer operations using the external medium's inherent capabilities, avoiding the need for extra hardware resources.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: an imager that captures a subject image to generate image-capturing data; a memory that temporarily stores the image-capturing data; an image processor that performs image processing on the image-capturing data to generate image data; an interface detachably connected to an external non-volatile recording medium; and a controller that records the image data in the recording medium. The controller saves the image-capturing data from the memory by writing, in the recording medium, the image-capturing data as an incomplete file being a file format defined to manage, in the recording medium, the image-capturing data as a saving state where the image processing is not completed on the image-capturing data. The controller reads the saved image-capturing data from the recording medium into the memory, causes the image processor to perform the image processing, and records obtained image data by the image processing into the recording medium.