Imaging Apparatus Special Effect Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging apparatuses face challenges in seamlessly switching between special effect operations during image capture, leading to delays in live view image display and increased chances of missing photo opportunities due to prolonged processing times for special effects.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with an image processing unit capable of performing both first-type and second-type special effect operations, where the user can switch between these operations based on input signals, allowing for faster display frame rates and reduced processing times by optimizing image processing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If first-type special effect operation is performed, then image processing quality is improved, but display frame rate decreases and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoiddisplay frame rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between first-type and second-type special effect operations based on user input signals. The image processing unit can adaptively change the processing mode during image capture, allowing transition from high-quality first-type processing to faster second-type processing when speed is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between processing quality and display frame rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the processing parameters by switching between two distinct operation types. The first-type operation uses parameters optimized for quality, while the second-type operation uses parameters optimized for speed. This parameter switching allows the system to adjust the balance between image processing quality and processing speed according to real-time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If first-type special effect operation is performed, then image processing quality is improved, but processing time increases causing user to miss photo opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts processing time by switching between operation types. When a change instruction signal is received, the system transitions from time-consuming first-type processing to faster second-type processing, thereby reducing processing time and preventing loss of photo opportunities while maintaining the option for quality processing when time permits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary switching to the second-type operation when speed is required, allowing rapid processing before photo opportunities are lost. The ability to pre-switch operation types ensures that time-critical situations can be handled appropriately without being constrained by the slower first-type processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If special effect operations are switched during image capture, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both first-type and second-type special effect operations. This universal design allows a single unit to handle multiple operation types without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each type, thereby improving operational flexibility while controlling system complexity through resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from user input signals to control the switching between operation types. The operation input unit receives change instruction signals that provide feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the processing mode accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables flexible operation while maintaining simple control logic based on clear signal-response relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8896726B2Imaging apparatus and imaging method for generating electronic image data and performing special effect operations

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 OM DIGITAL SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

An imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that captures images of a photographic subject and continuously generates electronic image data; a display unit that displays, at a predetermined display frame rate, images corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit; an image processing unit that either performs a first-type special effect operation that can be displayed at the predetermined display frame rate or performs a second-type special effect operation that can be displayed at a faster display frame rate than the predetermined display frame rate; an operation input unit that receives input of a change instruction signal that provides an instruction for changing a combination of image processing operations during a special effect operation performed by the image processing unit; and a control unit that instructs the image processing unit to switch the special effect operation from the first-type special effect operation to the second-type special effect operation.