Multi-lens Image-pickup Apparatus Automatic Parameter Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compound-eye image-pickup apparatuses lack the ability to automatically and appropriately set a combination of output pixel number, frame rate, and available functions with multiple imaging optical systems, leading to inefficient operation and user confusion regarding which systems provide specific functions.
Innovation Solution
An image-pickup apparatus with multiple imaging optical systems, an image sensor, memory, and a controller that stores relationships among output pixel number, frame rate, and available functions, allowing for automatic setting of these parameters based on input data, enabling improved operability and function selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging optical systems are used to provide various functions, then the versatility and available functions are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of setting parameters increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines appropriate setting data for output pixel number and frame rate based on the selected function and first setting data, without requiring manual user configuration. The control unit performs automatic parameter optimization by referencing stored relationship data, enabling the system to self-configure optimal settings based on functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores multiple sets of relationship data in the storage unit, where each set contains coordinated values for output pixel number, frame rate, and function availability. This preliminary preparation of parameter combinations allows the control unit to quickly retrieve and apply appropriate settings without real-time calculation, reducing setting complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If automatic setting of parameters is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores multiple sets of relationship data in the storage unit, where each set contains coordinated values for output pixel number, frame rate, and function availability. This preliminary preparation of parameter combinations allows the control unit to quickly retrieve and apply appropriate settings without real-time calculation, reducing setting complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to handle multiple functions and parameter types through a unified automatic determination mechanism. By using a single control structure that can manage various imaging functions (wide-angle, telephoto, depth-of-field effects, etc.) through the same parameter relationship storage and retrieval system, the patent avoids creating separate control mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relationship data for multiple functions is stored, then the adaptability is improved, but the memory requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to handle multiple functions and parameter types through a unified automatic determination mechanism. By using a single control structure that can manage various imaging functions (wide-angle, telephoto, depth-of-field effects, etc.) through the same parameter relationship storage and retrieval system, the patent avoids creating separate control mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores parameter relationships in terms of variable settings (output pixel number, frame rate) that can be adjusted based on selected functions. Rather than storing complete configuration profiles for each function, the system stores parametric relationships that allow dynamic determination of appropriate settings, reducing storage requirements while maintaining adaptability across multiple functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automatic and appropriate setting of imaging conditions, enhancing user experience by simplifying the selection of functions and optimizing the use of multiple imaging optical systems, thereby improving the operability and efficiency of the compound-eye image-pickup apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor having image-pickup areas each corresponding to one of the plurality of imaging optical systems and each configured to photoelectrically convert the optical image formed by a corresponding one of the imaging optical systems
Data Source
AI summary
An image-pickup apparatus includes a plurality of imaging optical systems, a memory configured to store a relationship among an output pixel number, a frame rate, and a function that is available with at least one of the imaging optical system, and a controller configured to set, when first setting data is input as setting data of a first item among a plurality of items including the output pixel number, the frame rate, and the function, setting data of remaining items except the first item in the plurality of items based on any combinations of the plurality of items in which the first item has the first setting data in the relationship stored in the memory.