Imaging Apparatus Parallel Output Lines and Adaptive Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face inefficiencies in high-speed image processing and boundary region noticeability when outputting image data to multiple signal processing portions using a single output line, and struggle to balance image quality, power consumption, and processing speed across different imaging modes.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a storage portion and an output portion with multiple output lines that distribute captured image data to corresponding signal processing portions, allowing for high-speed processing, reduced boundary region noticeability, and adaptive operation modes that optimize image quality, power consumption, and processing speed based on imaging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If image data is output to multiple signal processing portions using a single output line, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single output line into multiple separate output lines, with each output line dedicated to a specific signal processing portion. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission to multiple processing units simultaneously, thereby increasing processing speed while maintaining reasonable device complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single output line configuration to a multi-dimensional parallel output line architecture. By adding the dimension of parallelism and distributing data streams across multiple independent pathways, the system achieves higher throughput without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If image data is divided and processed by multiple signal processing portions, then processing speed increases, but boundary region noticeability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by adding overlapping regions to the divided image data before distribution to multiple signal processing portions. This preprocessing step ensures that boundary regions contain redundant information from adjacent areas, which is then used during combination to smoothly blend results and reduce visible boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating boundary regions differently from other regions. Overlapping areas are given special handling with weighted combination or blending algorithms that prioritize seamless integration, while non-boundary regions undergo standard processing. This localized approach minimizes boundary noticeability without affecting overall processing efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If captured image data is stored in the imaging element before processing, then image quality is preserved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that adapt the data storage and processing strategy based on imaging conditions. In high-priority modes (e.g., still images), data is stored in the imaging element's memory to preserve quality. In lower-priority modes (e.g., continuous video), data is processed more immediately with reduced storage to conserve power. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting behavior to contextual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as memory allocation, data retention duration, and processing timing based on imaging mode and power availability. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the trade-off between image quality preservation and power consumption, allowing high quality when needed and energy efficiency when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a storage portion that stores captured image data obtained by imaging a subject by an imaging element and is incorporated in the imaging element, an output portion that is incorporated in the imaging element, and a plurality of signal processing portions that are disposed outside the imaging element, in which the output portion includes a plurality of output lines each disposed in correspondence with each of the plurality of signal processing portions and outputs each of a plurality of pieces of image data into which the captured image data stored in the storage portion is divided, to a corresponding signal processing portion among the plurality of signal processing portions from the plurality of output lines, and any of the plurality of signal processing portions combines the plurality of pieces of image data.