Multi-Format Image File Structure with Segmented Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image file formats cannot efficiently record and reproduce image data with different formats without increasing the number of image files, and they struggle to handle image data with varying basic specifications, such as pixel numbers and color spaces, leading to limitations in displaying and reproducing images.
Innovation Solution
An image file generating and reproducing apparatus that appends header data to both first and second image data, allowing them to be stored in a single file, with the extension determined by the first image data, enabling the recording of multiple formats without increasing file count and allowing reproduction even by conventional apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image data with different formats are recorded as separate image files, then each image format can be properly stored and reproduced, but the number of image files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image data with different formats (JPEG, TIFF, RAW) into a single image file by appending multiple header data to the same file. The file management unit combines first image data with first header data and second image data with second header data into one unified file structure, eliminating the need for separate files for each format while maintaining format-specific integrity through dedicated headers.
Solution Approach 2:
The image file structure is designed to be universal by incorporating multiple header data that can accommodate different image formats. The file management unit creates a multi-functional file structure where a single image file can serve multiple purposes - storing and reproducing different format image data through its embedded first header data and second header data, each tailored to specific format requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image data with different basic specifications (pixel numbers, color spaces) are recorded, then format diversity is achieved, but conventional reproduction apparatus cannot reproduce the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image file into distinct components with dedicated headers. The first header data contains information for reproducing first image data with specific format specifications, while the second header data contains information for reproducing second image data with different format specifications. This segmentation allows conventional reproduction apparatus to reliably reproduce images by reading the appropriate header data corresponding to their supported formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The header data acts as an intermediary between diverse image data formats and conventional reproduction apparatus. The first header data and second header data translate and adapt different image format specifications (pixel numbers, color spaces) into a structure that conventional apparatus can interpret and reproduce, bridging the gap between format diversity and reproduction compatibility.
3Quantity of substance
If a single image file contains multiple image data with different formats, then file count is reduced, but the file structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The file management unit segments the complex multi-format file into organized sections, each with its own header data. The first image data and first header data form one segment, while the second image data and second header data form another segment. This segmentation manages complexity by creating clear boundaries and structures within the unified file, making the file structure more manageable despite containing multiple formats.
Data Source
AI summary
First and second data areas are defined in an image file, and each area is defined to have an image data recording area and a header data recording area. When the image file is reproduced, header data in a first header data recording area at the leading end is read and first image data that has been recorded in the first image data recording area is reproduced. If an image file reproducing apparatus is one that can reproduce second image data that has been recorded in the second data area, then the second image data is read from the second area and reproduced. The first image data is data that has undergone JPEG compression, and the second image data is data that has not been compressed. Since the compressed first image data and uncompressed second image data can be stored in one file, an increase in number of files can be reduced even if there is an increase in types of image format.