Light Field Camera Focus Information Storage and File Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light field cameras require significant user effort and time to generate image files with desired focus, as they need to perform development processes for RAW data, including setting focal length and focus position, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a selection unit for choosing between a refocusable mode recording data in RAW format and a non-refocusable mode with developed data, allowing storage of focus information for easy generation of developed image files based on selected recording modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RAW data is recorded in refocusable format, then focus adjustment flexibility is improved, but user effort and time to generate image files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically performing the development process and determining focus positions before the user needs to view or use the images. The control unit executes the development process on RAW data immediately after capture, generating thumbnail images and determining focus positions in advance, so when users want to view images with specific focus, the work is already done and they only need to select from pre-generated options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the control unit automatically execute the development process and generate multiple thumbnail images with different focus positions without requiring user intervention. The focus determination unit also automatically determines focus positions for each thumbnail, making the entire image processing pipeline autonomous and eliminating manual user effort in the development process.
2Manufacturing precision
If development process is performed manually for RAW data, then image quality control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically executes the development process on RAW data without requiring user intervention, making the system self-serving. It autonomously performs color space conversion, tone curve application, and other development steps, while the focus determination unit automatically analyzes each thumbnail to determine focus positions, eliminating manual operation complexity while maintaining consistent image quality through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the focus determination unit analyze the generated thumbnail images and determine focus positions based on the actual image content. This feedback loop ensures that the determined focus positions accurately reflect the visual focus in each thumbnail, allowing the system to adapt to different image scenarios and maintain quality control through automated analysis rather than manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus which is capable of easily generating a developed image file from image data obtained using the light field technique. A first recording mode in which data obtained from signals having different focuses is recorded as refocusable first data or a second recording mode in which data which is obtained by carrying out a development process on the data is recorded as non-refocusable second data is selected. During captured image review, at least one focus position in the image data is set as focus information. Based on the recording mode and the focus information, whether to generate a RAW image file or generate a developed image file is determined. When the RAW image file is to be generated and recorded in response to the determination, the focus information is added to the RAW image file.