Hierarchical Raw Image Decompression for Workflow Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional raw moving image files cannot be subject to hierarchical decode, making it difficult to perform image processing with reduced processing load, as they require full-size images and lack compatibility in workflows.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that decompresses compressed raw moving image files to generate both full-size and reduced-size uncompressed raw moving image files, utilizing wavelet compression and decompression techniques to enable hierarchical decoding and maintain workflow compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional raw moving image files are used, then workflow compatibility is maintained, but processing load cannot be reduced as full-size images are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing loadVSAvoidworkflow compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a proxy file that is a simplified copy of the original full-size raw moving image file. This proxy file contains down-sampled video data that can be processed more quickly while still maintaining the essential visual information needed for many workflow operations, thus reducing processing load while preserving workflow compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the raw moving image data into multiple components: the original full-size data and a derived proxy file with reduced resolution. This segmentation allows different parts of the data to serve different purposes - the proxy file for quick processing and the original for high-quality output when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If hierarchical decode is implemented for compressed raw moving images, then processing load can be reduced, but workflow compatibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing loadVSAvoidworkflow compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the decompression unit universal by enabling it to handle both hierarchical decode (for reduced processing load) and full decode (for workflow compatibility). The system can adaptively choose the appropriate decoding mode based on the specific workflow requirements, making the solution multi-functional and broadly applicable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If full-size uncompressed raw moving image files are generated, then workflow compatibility is maintained, but processing efficiency is reduced due to large file sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10778994B2Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus, comprising a decompression unit configured to decompress a compressed raw moving image file to generate an uncompressed raw moving image file, wherein the decompression unit generates a full-size uncompressed raw moving image file from full-size uncompressed raw image data obtained by decompressing each of a plurality of pieces of compressed raw image data included in the compressed raw moving image file, and when the compressed raw image data is data that has been hierarchically compressed, generates a reduced-size uncompressed raw moving image file from reduced-size uncompressed raw image data obtained by decompressing some data of each of the plurality of pieces of compressed raw image data.