Imaging Apparatus Parameter Readout Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging apparatuses face delays in image processing due to the slow readout speed of nonvolatile memories like serial EEPROMs, which are large and expensive, making it challenging to achieve fast and efficient image processing while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a configuration that includes a nonvolatile memory for storing parameters, a volatile memory for temporary storage, and a data controlling part that reads parameters from the nonvolatile memory using multiple clocks at specific timings to minimize delays, allowing for real-time image processing without disrupting the image-shooting sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a serial EEPROM is used to store parameters, then the imaging apparatus becomes smaller and less expensive, but the readout speed becomes slow causing delay in image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by reading out parameters from the serial EEPROM in advance during a dedicated timing period before image processing is needed. The data controlling part reads parameters during a first timing period when the imaging apparatus is powered on or in standby state, so that the parameters are already available in the volatile memory when image processing starts, eliminating readout delays during critical processing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the parameter readout process into multiple distinct timing periods. A first timing period is allocated for reading parameters when the apparatus is powered on or in standby state, and a second timing period is allocated for reading parameters during image processing operations. This segmentation allows the serial EEPROM to be accessed at optimal times without interfering with the main image processing workflow, thereby maintaining both compact design and processing speed
2Productivity
If parameters are read out from serial EEPROM during image processing, then real-time processing is achieved, but the image-shooting sequence is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by performing parameter readout operations during dedicated timing periods before or during standby states, rather than interrupting the image-shooting sequence. The data controlling part is configured to read parameters during a first timing period when the imaging apparatus is powered on or in standby state, ensuring that parameter acquisition does not disrupt ongoing image capture operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic timing adjustment by providing different timing periods for different operations. The system dynamically allocates a first timing period for parameter readout during power-on or standby states, and a second timing period for parameter readout during image processing. This dynamic scheduling allows the system to adaptively access parameters without disrupting the image-shooting sequence, maintaining both productivity and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory storing multiple kinds of parameters, a volatile memory storing temporarily the parameters read out from the nonvolatile memory, a processing part executing a processing using the parameters stored in the volatile memory and a data controlling part reading out the parameters from the nonvolatile memory according to a provided clock and transferring the parameters to the volatile memory, and the imaging apparatus includes a first timing-adjusting part outputting a first clock for reading out a part of the multiple kinds of parameters stored in the nonvolatile memory to the data controlling part, when the imaging apparatus is powered on, and a second timing-adjusting part outputting a second clock for reading out another part of the multiple kinds of parameters stored in the nonvolatile memory to the data controlling part, while the imaging apparatus is preparing for image shooting.