Imaging Processing Apparatus Region-Based Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging processing apparatuses require significant memory for accumulation processing to obtain evaluation values for automatic exposure (AE) and white balance (AWB) control, and often need to complete the input of one field image before obtaining an evaluation value for AWB control, which can increase memory usage and processing load.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus divides the imaging signal frame into regions and uses two retaining means to alternately store color-by-color accumulation results from odd and even horizontal lines, allowing for reduced memory usage and simultaneous evaluation value generation during image input, with a computation means generating evaluation values for AE and AWB processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If memory is increased to store accumulation results for AE and AWB control, then evaluation value generation accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging frame is divided into multiple regions (e.g., first region and second region) for separate accumulation processing. Each region's evaluation values are generated independently, allowing selective processing and reduced overall memory requirements while maintaining accuracy for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between storing accumulation results and storing evaluation values based on processing stage. During active accumulation, minimal memory is used; after accumulation completes, memory stores only the computed evaluation values, adapting memory usage to current processing needs.
2Measurement precision
If accumulation processing waits for complete field image input, then evaluation value accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Accumulation processing begins before the entire field image is input. The system performs preliminary accumulation on available data and generates evaluation values progressively, rather than waiting for complete image input, thus reducing processing time while maintaining sufficient accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulation and evaluation generation process continues continuously as image data arrives, rather than pausing to wait for complete input. This continuous processing approach overlaps data acquisition with computation, eliminating idle time and reducing overall processing duration.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging processing apparatus for effecting imaging processing on imaging signals inputted from an imaging device having a plurality of pixels arranged on a plane and having color filters attached on an imaging surface, the imaging processing apparatus having: a region determining unit, a first retaining unit, a second retaining unit, a switching unit, and an accumulation unit.