Imaging Apparatus Metadata Recording Position Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in efficiently managing metadata for continuous images, as it is either difficult to manage metadata when stored in separate files or time-consuming to seek metadata recorded in frame headers, especially when different shooting modes and recording modes are used.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and recording control method that switches metadata recording positions within an image file based on shooting and recording modes, allowing metadata to be recorded either at the end of the file for larger data sets or in the header for smaller data sets, optimizing file management and playback efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metadata is recorded in the frame header of the moving image file, then metadata can be accessed during playback, but it takes time to seek each frame when metadata is recorded in the frame header
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metadata from the frame header and places it in a separate data structure (such as a side data file or dedicated metadata section). This allows the main video file to be played back without seeking through frame headers, while metadata can be accessed independently from the extracted location, resolving the contradiction between metadata accessibility and seek time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that acts as a bridge between the moving image file and the metadata. This intermediary layer (such as a side data file or index structure) stores metadata separately but maintains associations with the corresponding video frames, allowing efficient access without direct seeking in the main video file.
2Productivity
If metadata is managed in a file different from the moving image file, then metadata can be rapidly used regardless of the kind of content, but it is difficult to manage the files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the moving image file and its associated metadata into a single integrated file structure or package. The metadata is stored within the same file container as the video data, with clear internal organization and indexing. This merging approach maintains fast metadata access while simplifying file management, as only one file needs to be handled, moved, or managed at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the file into distinct functional sections (video data sections and metadata sections) with clear boundaries and indexing. This segmentation allows the metadata to be rapidly located and processed within the integrated file while maintaining the simplicity of single-file management. The internal structure enables efficient access without requiring separate file handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pieces of data of different kinds are recorded in the metadata depending on the kind of image processing, then the metadata can be optimized for specific processing, but whether the recorded metadata is usable for desired processing is determined only after the metadata is actually read out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization and tagging of metadata during the video encoding process, categorizing metadata by type and associated processing requirements. Index structures are pre-built that allow the playback system to quickly identify and retrieve only the metadata relevant to the desired processing operation, eliminating the need to read and verify all metadata after file creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different metadata organization strategies to different sections or types of metadata based on their specific uses. Critical metadata for common operations is placed in easily accessible locations with optimized structures, while less frequently accessed metadata can be stored in more compact formats. This local optimization allows rapid verification of usability for specific processing tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing unit that continuously captures an optical image to generate continuous images, a metadata generating unit that generates multiple pieces of metadata corresponding to the respective continuous images, a shooting mode setting unit, and a control unit that controls the continuous images and the multiple pieces of metadata so as to be recorded as one image file. The control unit switches recording positions of the multiple pieces of metadata generated by the metadata generating unit in the image file in accordance with a shooting mode set by the shooting mode setting unit.